Custody Deaths and the Cover-Up: The Case of Stephen Wardle and the Fight for Justice

The Tragic Custody Death of Stephen Wardle: A Family’s Search for Answers

When discussing deaths in custody, few cases somberly exemplify the need for accountability and transparency more than the tragic loss of Stephen Wardle. Over thirty years have passed since Stephen died in police custody at East Perth, yet the truth behind his untimely death remains riddled with controversy, secrecy, and alleged cover-up by the Western Australian state government and police force. In this second part of our series, we amplify the voices of families like Stephen’s, who relentlessly pursue justice despite systemic barriers.

Uncovering the Facts: Postmortem Revelations

The postmortem report, made public only after significant legal pressure, painted a harrowing picture of Stephen Wardle’s final moments in custody. Far from the initial explanation offered by authorities, the evidence revealed:

• Severe bruising and visible injuries on his body
• Major internal organ damage, including an enlarged and soft spleen
• Three times the normal amount of blood present in Stephen’s lungs compared to typical drug overdose victims
• A large, unexplained goose egg on his head with no rational explanation provided

These factual details not only contradict the official narrative but raise urgent questions about the actions and intent of those responsible for his care while in custody.

Custody Cover-Up: How the Western Australian State Government Responded

Upon learning of Stephen’s injuries, his family demanded answers from police and state officials. Yet instead of transparency, they encountered resistance and obfuscation:

• State officials downplayed the severity of Stephen’s injuries, citing unrelated causes of death like drug overdose
• Police failed to provide clear explanations for the physical trauma, especially the head injury
• Key evidence and reports were withheld from the Wardle family and their legal counsel
• Requests for a transparent investigation were repeatedly delayed or denied

This systemic pattern of non-disclosure suggests an unsettling reluctance to admit culpability, leaving families devastated and communities questioning the integrity of the state’s approach to custodial deaths.

The Fight for a Royal Commission: Families Demand Accountability

For decades, families who lost loved ones in custody have united in calling for a Royal Commission into these deaths. Stephen’s story is emblematic of broader issues faced by bereaved families:

1. They seek access to truthful information surrounding their loved one’s death
2. They ask for independent investigations, free from police or government interference
3. They demand legislative reforms to prevent future deaths in custody

The push for a Royal Commission is about more than justice for Stephen Wardle—it is about ensuring no other family endures the pain of unanswered questions and state-sanctioned silence.

What Can Be Done: Steps Toward Justice and Reform

To move forward, the following actions are essential:

• Insist on independent oversight for all deaths in custody
• Implement mandatory reporting and timely disclosure of investigative findings to families
• Increase accountability for police officers and government officials
• Provide legal and psychological support to affected families

Reforming the system requires ongoing advocacy, public awareness, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the culture within custody institutions.

Conclusion: Breaking the Silence, Seeking Justice

Stephen Wardle’s death in custody, and the subsequent attempts at cover-up by the Western Australian state government and police, exemplifies why vigilance and reform are vital. For over 30 years, families have been forced to fight for the most basic information and for rightful justice. Their tenacious push for a Royal Commission continues to inspire a broader movement advocating for transparency, truth, and change in how custody deaths are handled.

If you believe in justice and accountability, support the families by raising awareness about deaths in custody. Demand legislative change and insist upon full transparency from authorities. Together, we can ensure every voice is heard—especially those silenced by the system.