A mother who was allegedly murdered in her home by her partner in northern New South Wales is being remembered as a “loving, talented and compassionate person”.
Sarah Miles died at her home in Casino in northern NSW after she was found with head injuries in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Dwayne John Creighton was charged with murder and appeared in Lismore Magistrates court this morning.
The 31-year-old did not apply for bail and bail was formally refused, while the matter was adjourned until tomorrow.
Ms Miles’ family issued a statement calling for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
“Our family would like to thank the first responders and the public for their condolences,” they said.
“Sarah was a loving, talented and compassionate person, she made an impact on everyone she met.
“This is a tragic and unbelievable loss for her children and family who she loved dearly.
“Sarah will be missed by many people and we ask that you give the family some privacy in this tragic time.”
Police investigating response
Police have launched a critical incident investigation, after it emerged it took almost an hour for officers to attend the home after receiving an emergency call.
“This is a horrific situation,” said NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who tragically lost her life.
“The triple-0 call and the response from the NSW Police Force is now the subject of a critical incident investigation.”
Minister Catley said the investigation would be overseen by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
The NSW Coroner will also investigate the death.
Police received a ‘concern for welfare’ call regarding an incident at Johnston Street, Casino, just after 1:30am on Saturday.
It took a radio operator nearly an hour to acknowledge the call, with officers arriving at the home two minutes later.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna told media yesterday that when officers arrived they found a woman with “obvious” head injuries.
She was breathing, but by the time paramedics arrived her condition had deteriorated and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stephen Bell, a retired NSW Police officer who lives in Casino, said that several factors may have contributed to the delayed response.
“A call could go through four or five different hands before it gets to the on-road police officer — it depends how that officer assesses it,” Mr Bell said.
“Then it gets put on the air and conveyed to the officers that are working on the truck.
“Unless the assessment of the job is correct all the way through, then it’s very hard to apportion blame to the on-road officers because they only know the information they are given.”
Tackling DV top priority
Minister Catley said tackling domestic violence was one of the police force’s and the state government’s “top priorities”.
“I know the NSWPF work every day to make a difference and help keep victims safe,” she said.
“Domestic violence is one of the most atrocious crimes in our society that impacts not only the victim but their family, friends and entire community.”
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