Jacob Kovco - Coronial Inquiry

Coronial Inquiry

Following lobbying by Judy Kovco, a Coronial inquest was opened 11 February 2008 and held at the Glebe Coroner's Court. After hearing 8 weeks of evidence, including controversial elements of Kovco's personal history that it was thought may have influenced his death, the Coronial Jury found that it could not determine Kovco's state of mind or whether he knew the weapon was loaded, but that "on the balance of probabilities", it was likely that he had not intended to take his own life.

Before the verdict was rendered, counsel assisting the coroner, John Agius, SC, told the jury that the theory that Kovco had been shot by another soldier was "no more than the last grasp of a loving mother who cannot bring herself to accept that her son was less than perfect".

Although numerous witnesses were excused from those originally summoned, the coronial inquiry ran longer than initially slated due to the re-ordering of witnesses and the possible recall of several witnesses late in the inquiry. A request was made by legal counsel representing Kovco's parents to recall several witnesses after the questioning of Warrant Officer Tim Cuming, Kovco's company sergeant major in Iraq. A report submitted as evidence by Major Kyle Tyrell stated that several soldiers had made allegations that WO Cuming had intimidated them and attempted to influence their evidence prior to the military board of inquiry. When asked several questions regarding these allegations, Warrant Officer Cuming said " I claim privilege against self-incrimination". Requests by legal counsel to recall witnesses who were potentially affected by WO Cuming's actions were denied.

The coronial inquiry concluded on 2 April 2008.