Moments after reporting domestic violence allegations to police, a distressed Chanel Tammy Treloar was questioned over claims she had stolen money from her ex-partner, a coroner has heard.
Four weeks later, the 36-year old - known as Dolly - was found dead in the same clothes she was wearing on the day she was interviewed by police at her home.
South Australian coroner Emma Roper on Tuesday opened an inquest into Ms Treloar's death, more than three years after her body was discovered at her Whyalla residence.
Among the issues explored will be the actions of police on the night Constable David Ongarato went to Ms Treloar’s home, counsel assisting Greg Dudzinski said.
The inquest would look at the appropriateness of interviewing Ms Treloar about her ex-partner's theft allegations at the "critical time" she was reporting domestic violence claims, he said.
Const Ongarato arrived at Ms Treloar’s home about 1am on September 22, 2022, responding to her call.
Ms Treloar was "in distress" and said she was fearful of her former partner, Mr Dudzinski said.
Their relationship began when she was 13 and was “characterised by domestic violence”.
She told Const Ongarato that her ex-partner had assaulted her the previous day and he was continuing to contact her despite a court order, the inquest was told.
“Dolly told Constable Ongarato that she had been receiving text messages from (her ex-partner) ... and he was at a location nearby,” Mr Dudzinski said.
Ms Treloar messaged her ex telling him not to come to her house, and that she'd involved the police, he said.
The inquest was told he replied: “I don't give two f***s. I'm coming now, idiot” and "You're no victim. You're mentally ill".
Following the domestic violence conversation, Const Ongarato interviewed Ms Treloar about her ex-partner's allegations that she'd taken money from his bank account, Mr Dudzinski said.
“This was the last time that police saw Dolly alive," he said.
Her body was found by police at her home on October 25, 2022.
Forensic pathologist Neil Langlois told the court her cause of death could not be determined due to the loss of body tissue.
He estimated that she died on or about September 23.
Outside court, Ms Treloar’s brother, Fabian Treloar, said his sister was a “beautiful girl” but the system had failed her.
"The police should have done something," he said.
The inquest will continue on a date to be fixed.
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