How Could You? Hall of Shame-Australia-Foster Adult case-Adult Death

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

This 2023 case has come to light.

From Broome, Australia,”a man found not guilty of killing his foster brother in Western Australia’s north because of his mental impairment will remain in prison because authorities have been unable to find appropriate mental health facilities for him.

A special proceedings sentencing hearing in Broome Supreme Court heard Ian Ralph Brooke was suffering from a psychotic disorder when he fatally stabbed his 27-year-old foster brother in November 2023.

Mr Brooke was given a custody order for the duration of his life, which will be evaluated by the Mental Impairment Review Tribunal and subject to periodic review.

Described in court as “brutal”, the killing took place at the foster brothers’ shared family home in the presence of other family members, including children.

During a previous hearing the court heard Mr Brooke believed the victim was the devil and was going to kill him.

Mr Brooke, now 24, has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Justice Peter Quinlan determined the sentence, but it will be up to the Mental Impairment Review Tribunal to decide where Mr Brooke will serve his custody order.

There is only one secure hospital in WA, the Franklin Centre, which has a 30 bed capacity and 20 people currently on its waitlist.

The only other option, the Bennett Brook Disability Justice Centre — intended for people accused of a crime who have intellectual disabilities — had “no access to acute mental health support”, the court heard.

“I am bound to conclude that the only order I can lawfully make is a custody order,” Justice Quinlan said.

“I am not satisfied that he can be safely managed under a community order at this time.

“This conclusion means that it is impossible for me to give effect to the number of principles that I am required to by law.”

No best option

The court heard from two psychiatrists who both recommended Mr Brooke be placed in a secure mental health hospital and slowly transitioned into community if and when appropriate services were available to support him.

But multidisciplinary community support services for someone such as Mr Brooke are “non-existent”, the court heard.

This included accessing the best possible treatment, care and support.

The WA prison system does not have the appropriate mental health care facilities or rehabilitation opportunities for this case, the court heard.

It is not known when the Mental Impairment Review Tribunal will examine Mr Brooke’s case.”

Ian Brooke to remain in prison for killing foster brother in Broome
[ABC 4/10/26]

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