John Abernethy

John Birley Abernethy (born 1947 in Wagga Wagga, Australia) is a former State Coroner of New South Wales.

Early life and education John Birley Abernethy was born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales in 1947. His father, Robert Neil Abernethy, was a bank officer; and his mother was a registered nurse.

Career After leaving high school, In 1965, Abernethy joined the (then) Petty Sessions Branch of the New South Wales Department of Attorney General and Justice, where he worked until he became a Stipendiary Magistrate in 1984.

Abernethy presided over the inquest into the death of Tegan Lane, the daughter of Australian water polo player Keli Lane.

Post-retirement Following his retirement, Abernethy has commented on the car pursuits by the New South Wales Police Force, arguing in favour of them to prevent the escape of criminals.

Legal issues In 2005, Abernethy was detected to have exceeded the legal speed limit of 40 km/h while driving in a school zone, resulting in the suspension of his driver's licence.

Personal life Although born to and raised in a Presbyterian family, Abernethy left the church as a young man. In later life, he converted to Roman Catholicism.

Abernethy lives in West Pennant Hills, New South Wales.