Guard told not to ring ambulance, court hears

James Webster. Photo / Supplied

A security guard wanted to call an ambulance for alcohol-poisoning victim James Webster after seeing him "half-dead" - but was told 'not to worry" because a policeman and nurse could care for him.

Taeao Sa has told the inquest into James' death at the Auckland Coroner's Court today he saw two boys carrying the 16 year-old into the toilets. He helped them try and stand him up but his legs were "like jelly".

James died from alcohol poisoning on May 9 after drinking from a bottle of vodka at a 16th birthday party held at the Grey Lynn Returned Services Club.

Mr Sa said he approached a member of the RSC - Gary Topp, who was the grandfather of one of the birthday girls, Jade Palmer- and said he was going to ring an ambulance because James was "half dead".

"I had to repeat myself twice because I don't think they heard me."

He said Mr Topp told him, "not to worry we have a policeman and a nurse in the house" who would attend to him. Mr Sa said he believed the police officer they were referring to was Jones Palmer, the father of one of the party hosts. He is also Mr Topp's son-in-law.

The court yesterday heard Mr Palmer was a non-sworn temporary constable based at the Manukau police station.

Mr Sa told the court Mr Palmer and a woman he was told was a nurse went into the men's toilets where James was propped up on a chair. He then went back to his security duties believing James was being looked after and was "in good hands".

In cross-examination by the Webster's lawyer, James' uncle Donald Webster, Mr Sa was asked if Mr Topp heard him correctly when he asked about calling an ambulance. "Sure do".

If they hadn't have gone into the toilets Mr Sa would have rung the ambulance himself.

He next saw James when he was carried out of the RSC over the shoulder of Mr Palmer. He didn't believe James' condition had improved.

"All I can say is I feel sorry the boy died. I wish I could do better [and] do what I was supposed to do and ring the ambulance instead of listening to other people."

Coroner Gordon Matenga asked him how responsive James was. "I've had other evidence to say he was responsive... But you're evidence is he wasn't... that he was half-dead."

Mr Sa: "There was no response there at all."