Court Orders Compulsory Treatment After Fatal Incident in Mental Health Ward

A tragic incident in a mental health ward at Hutt Hospital resulted in the death of a patient, prompting a court to issue a compulsory treatment order for the individual responsible. On December 27, 2024, Logan James Karena Maru-Mohi, 23, pushed Douglas Tobin, 75, causing him to fall and sustain a fatal head injury. Maru-Mohi later pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Tobin during a hearing at the Wellington High Court.

According to a police summary, Tobin appeared unaware of Maru-Mohi’s intense gaze as both patients resided in the Te Whare Ahuru mental health ward. In a sudden act of aggression, Maru-Mohi pushed Tobin in the chest with sufficient force to knock him off his feet. Tobin fell backward, hitting his head on the floor. He underwent surgery for a brain bleed and skull fracture but succumbed to complications on January 19, 2025.

In court, victim impact statements from Tobin’s wife and eldest daughter expressed their distress over the unsafe conditions within the hospital. Justice Helen McQueen noted that Maru-Mohi suffered from schizophrenia and that his cannabis use could exacerbate his symptoms. Maru-Mohi had been discharged from the hospital just one day prior to the incident and appeared to have used cannabis upon his return, exhibiting aggressive behavior.

A staff member, concerned about the escalating situation, had urged Maru-Mohi to step back from Tobin, but he did not comply. Defense lawyer Shane Robinson remarked that Maru-Mohi never anticipated that his actions would lead to Tobin’s death.

Justice McQueen aimed to institute a sentence that would ensure Maru-Mohi received intensive supervision on probation. However, she was informed that no suitable arrangements were available due to the complexity of his needs. Maru-Mohi was held in custody first in the hospital and later in prison as his health improved. If sentenced to prison, he would have been eligible for immediate release based on the time he had already served.

The judge expressed concern about Maru-Mohi’s lack of accommodation and support. Instead of a prison sentence, she issued a compulsory treatment order, which would allow him to receive care at Wellington Regional Hospital. The order stipulates that Maru-Mohi will not be released until he has appropriate housing and is under the care of a mental health team. Notably, he consented to this arrangement.

In response to inquiries from The Post, Paul Oxnam, the regional director of mental health and addiction, stated that a fully staffed unit should ideally have 14 personnel dedicated to direct patient care. At the time of the incident, there were 24 staff members on site, encompassing clinical, non-clinical, and support roles. A report from a serious event review is nearing completion, which will first be shared with staff involved and then with the families affected.

A previous report by the Ombudsman in 2021 indicated that the Te Whare Ahuru unit was not adequately equipped for its purpose. Oxnam confirmed that 16 of the 18 recommendations from that report had been addressed, reflecting significant improvements in safety, quality, and cultural responsiveness in patient care. A new mental health unit is under construction for the Hutt Valley area, and staffing levels have stabilized, with fewer vacancies. Additionally, a kaumatua has been employed in the ward to provide cultural guidance and support for both patients and staff.

After the incident, the charge nurse manager of the unit contacted the families of both Maru-Mohi and Tobin to extend support during this difficult time. The court’s decisions underscore the pressing need for effective mental health care and support systems in hospital settings, particularly as they relate to patient safety and management.