Questions raised over death of bikie boss in prison

A Victorian coroner is investigating why Finks boss Brent Reker was moved and whether that contributed to him taking his own life in December 2019.

Reker’s mother was present during a brief hearing at the Coroners Court in Melbourne on Thursday, when details of his death were aired for the first time.

The 35-year-old was on remand for serious, violent drug and weapon offences when he died at Ravenhall prison on December 12.

Counsel assisting the coroner Leading Senior Constable Fiona Nation said Reker had been moved from Port Phillip Prison to a specialist mental health unit at Ravenhall in November 2019, after previous attempts to take his own life.

The unit provides prisoners who have complex mental health issues with specialised care, treatment and programs.

However, about three weeks later prison staff became concerned Reker was wielding influence over other prisoners in that unit, following comments he made about self-harm at meetings.

“A case conference between staff has held, after multiple emails between Forensicare and Ravenhall staff it was agreed that Brent was at risk of influencing the prisoner group and self-harm may occur,” Nation said.

“The decision was subsequently made to remove Brent.”

A psychiatrist was supposed to speak to Reker before he was transferred but this did not happen as the clinician had already left the unit.

About 2.30pm on December 12, officers began transferring Reker out of the unit.

Reker was argumentative and animated when told about the move, Nation said.

A psychiatrist was sent to Reker’s new cell about 3.30pm, but he did not respond and the cell door was blocked by a mattress.

Corrections staff raised a “code black” medical emergency and Reker was found lying unconscious on the floor of the shower in his cell at 3.38pm.

Coroner Paul Lawrie is investigating the events leading up to Reker’s move out of the specialist unit, his mental health history and risk assessment of him by staff.

He will also examine where Corrections Victoria is at in implementing recommendations from a 2021 justice system review.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.