A coronial inquest has determined that a leader of the Rebels motorcycle gang passed away in prison due to a cocaine overdose.

Jamie Ginn died at the Perth Watch House on October 10, 2023, approximately three hours following his arrest for firearm-related charges.

The 50-year-old was detained around 5 p.m. and underwent an evaluation by a registered nurse and police officers.

After being strip-searched, Ginn was placed alone in a cell.

At 6:53 p.m., he was discovered on the cell floor, seemingly having had a seizure.

Despite receiving medical assistance, Ginn could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 8:05 p.m.

A coronial inquest found his death was a result of cocaine toxicity. 

Coroner Michael Jenkin was unable to make any further findings of when and how the drug was ingested.

He also ruled that Ginn’s standard of supervision at the Watch House was poor after the cell control officer failed to notice the medical event for 15 minutes, but stopped short of saying it contributed to his death.

The coroner handed down seven recommendations, including a review into staffing levels, whether detainees should have to pass through a body scanner, the role of a cell control officer, and a review of overall CCTV and monitoring equipment.