Few would doubt that the colour of a persons skin has a lot to do with the way they are treated in custody.
The death of an Aboriginal elder in Western Australia can only be added to the list of black people who have met their death in suspicious circumstances.
That this man was thrown in the back of a paddy wagon for a multi hour journey on a very hot day - and the two prison guards were aware that the air conditioning was working fine for the cabin they were in - but not working for the prisoner - seems to be beyond belief.
Temperatures in excess of fifty degrees - without comfort stops or checks on the prisoners condition is unforgivable. This man was dead on arrival - the subject of heat stroke.
It is the final indignity that a court has found no blame attached to the two men charged with his care. They will walk free - and in all probability do exactly the same in future.
Had a dog or any other animal been conveyed in those conditions and that manner the RSPCA would no doubt have taken the case to court - and got a conviction.
And had the prisoner been white - a transfer in such circumstances would not have been approved.
It seems that justice is not colour blind !
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