” A character with his deep voice and infectious laugh. He loved his bikes and live music ”
NSW Police Force , Constable 1st Class Leigh Bedggood No.26 Div Merrylands got a job looking for two missing children in the area of A’becketts creek In Merrylands following reports they were last seen in that area after bad storms.
NSWPF – Methods of Instruction – Class # 056. 13 October 1983 – 28 October 1983
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: Simplicity Funerals, Robina, Qld
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Plot: ? Section: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2023 )
MALCOLM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Publication: The Gold Coast BulletinDate Listed: 26/4/2023 Location: Mudgeeraba
In loving memory
Malcolm John Condon
17th May 1942 to 20th April 2023
Dearly loved husband of Nancy, loved father of Bruce, Scott (dec) and Nicole.
A loving father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather to their families.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Malcolm’s funeral service which will be held at Allambe Memorial Gardens at 10am on Friday the 28th April 2023 in the Garden Chapel.
It is with much sadness, MWRLFC have been advised that Malcolm Condon, Player #154 has passed away..
Mal, better known as “Taxi” with his mates was signed from Wollongong by the astute Arko and brought to play for Manly in the 1964 season. Playing Second-Row or Hooker, Taxi managed 7 First Grade games as well as representing the NSW Colts beating France in the same season.
MWRLFC would like to pass on our deepest condolences to wife Nancy, family and friends.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954),
Monday 27 July 1953, page 4
Crown Street West Accident
Mr. A. S. Heininger, of Dapto, commenting on an accident report in last issue, has pointed out that his car was stationary when the youth; Malcolm Condon, of West Wollongong, riding a cycle, struck the open door and was thrown onto the roadway. The driver of a lorry then swerved to avoid the youth and went through a fence and overturned.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Wake location: Narrabeen Surf Club, Ocean St, North Narrabeen, NSW
Wake date: Wednesday 20 October 2021 about 12.30pm
You will need proof of double vaccination and QR codes for entry.
At Ray’s request – Be colourful.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( October 2021 )
RAY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Prior to joining NSWPF, Ray was employed, firstly as a Junior Clerk with the Government Printing Office, The Treasury, which took effect from 1 February 1949. He passed his probation period and became a Clerk until his Resignation to join the NSWPF; that Resignation took effect on 5 October 1954.
Formerly of Mona Vale
11/10/1933 – 7/10/2021
87 Years
Family and friends are invited to farewell Ray McDermott at a Prayer Service Wed October 20th 11am At sacred Heart Church 1 Keenan St Mona Vale.
Due to Covid restrictions numbers are limited and you are invited to register your interest to attend by replying to the following email address: raymcdermottmemorial@gmail.com
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cal
17 October 2021
Barry James GROVE-JONES
| 22/11/2023
Barry James GROVE-JONES
AKA BAZ
Late of Greenacre, NSW
Possibly related to Steven GROVE-JONES, NSWPF # 21873 ( 1985 – 2005 )( Bass Hill GDs )
Pre-deceased by his wife, Shirley, on 26 March 2013
The Master Farter
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 084
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9713
Service: From 15 August 1960 to 5 August 1995 = 34 years, 11 months, 21 days
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on 15 August 1960 ( aged 24 years, 4 months, 4 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed ?? September 1960
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 15 August 1966
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 15 August 1970
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 13 April 1975
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 13 June 1985
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: Mounted Unit – Redfern Academy ( Sept 1960 – 1966 ), Police Band ( Learning the Trumpet )( 1963 )( aged 27 ), Bankstown Police Stn GDs ( 1966 ), ( Learning Woodwind & Clarinet ), Police Band ( Member of from 1967 ), Bankstown PCYC, Police Concert Band – ( Commander ) – Retirement
Retirement / Leaving age: = 59 years, 3 months, 25 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 26 years, 1 month, 17 days
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( September 2021 )
Member of the NSW Police Band pays tribute to Barry GROVE-JONES
BARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Barry joined the Police Band in 1966. During this time, until the mid 1980s, Band members were generally at a Police Station or the PCYC and came to the Band as required.
The NSW Police Band became full-time Band duties from about 1985.
Barry was an instructor of music at the Bankstown PCYC and that Bands Conductor for many years.
His son, Steve Gove-Jones also became a member of the Police Band.
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 – 1954),
Monday 2 February 1948, page 7
Boy: Barry Grove-Jones, 11, of Parkland Avenue, Punchbowl, suffered a fractured right leg yesterday when he was knocked down by a car at the corner of Duncan Street and Canterbury Road, Punchbowl.
NSW Police Band at Redfern Police Academy – March 1966FRONTROW: L – R: Lindsay Chate, Fred Gregory, Ron Webb, Bill Brown, George Jackson, Lofty Sharp, Arthur Wilson, Rex Waddington, Bruce Constable. 2nd ROW L – R: Max Gruggen, Peter Williams, Harry Salter, Graeme Bates, Bill Martin, Ken Mills, Bill Lewis, Barry Grove-Jones, Max Hammond, Gordon Crompton, Ron Cawthray. 3rd ROW L – R: Ben Acton, Jack Nicholson, Darcy Hay, Jack Williams, Mason Brockie, Neville Trevelyan, Alf Ewards, Dennis Williams, Alan Hines, John Corbett, Ron Morris. 4thROW L – R: Lloyd Turnbull, Les Lambert, Hugh Barnwell, Alan Gallagher, Bill Halford, Bill Beaver, Don Lewis
The above photo of the NSW Police Concert Band is from 1995.
Police Concert Band of 1988 consisted of:- Mike Hope, Bob Gillespie, George Thompson, Greg Pfeiffer. Hugh Barnwell, Ed Wilson, Merv Knott, John Woodbury, Ian Keuning, John Saunders, Steve Nolan, Mark Holland. Ross McKinlay, Mal Pearce, Dennis Williams, Rod Hunter-Brittain, Ian Cox, Ray Bensted, Bob White, Trevor Marsden, Ken Flannery, Barry Grove-Jones, Darcy Hay, Len Mulley, Des Lynch, John Simensen, Tom Webber. Arthur Hancock, Ray Wills, Glen Murphy, Peter Almond, Ted Bromfield, Ron Davidson, Bill Martin, Paul Blankesteijn, Bill Stojcevski, Laurie Goodfellow, Steve Grove-Jones. Tom Lambert
NSW Police Band at Redfern Police Academy – March 1966FRONTROW: L – R : Lindsay Chate, Fred Gregory, Ron Webb, Bill Brown, George Jackson, Lofty Sharp, Arthur Wilson, Rex Waddington, Bruce Constable. 2nd ROW L – R: Max Gruggen, Peter Williams, Harry Salter, Graeme Bates, Bill Martin, Ken Mills, Bill Lewis, Barry Grove-Jones, Max Hammond, Gordon Crompton, Ron Cawthray. 3rd ROW L – R: Ben Acton, Jack Nicholson, Darcy Hay, Jack Williams, Mason Brockie, Neville Trevelyan, Alf Ewards, Dennis Williams, Alan Hines, John Corbett, Ron Morris. 4thROW L – R: Lloyd Turnbull, Les Lambert, Hugh Barnwell, Alan Gallagher, Bill Halford, Bill Beaver, Don Lewis
GROVE-JONES, Shirley June.
23.9.1936 – 26.3.2013
Late of Greenacre.
Beloved wife to Barry, loving mother to Jenny, Steven, Linda. Cherished Nanna to Brittany, Courtney, Talei, Kyan and Jacey.
Aged 76 years
SHIRLEYS relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend her funeral service to be held Friday (April 5, 2013) in the South Chapel, Rookwood Crematorium, service to commence at 10.30 a.m.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cal
29 September 2021
Roger Peter BERGAMIN
| 22/11/2023
Roger Peter BERGAMIN
AKA ?
Late of Tumbi Umbi, NSW
Father to Mark Bergamin, NSWPF # 21953 &
Garry BERGAMIN ProCst # 99533
NSW Police Training Centre Redfern – Class # 095A
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10682
Service: From? ? ? to? March 1991 = 28 years Service? ? ?
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on ? ? ?
Probationary Constable – appointed Monday 13 May 1963 0 Aged 27 years, 10 months, 14 days )
Constable – appointed 13 May 1964
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 May 1968
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed 13 May 1972
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 30 July 1979
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 December 1985
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant – Optional Retirement
Awards: National Medal – granted 20 January 1981 ( Det? Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 17 March 1989 ( Sgt )
Commendations: 1/ Commended for his part played in the search for Monica SCHOFIELD, Missing from Heathcote Hostel from 17 June 1963 and whose body was subsequently found buried in the bush on the 25 June 1963.
N.T.W. ALLAN, Commissioner of Police 9 April 1964.
2/ Highly commended for his outstanding courage and devotion to duty at Canley Vale on 23 November, 1981, when in the company of Sergeant 1/c E.G. Woolaston, he confronted Abdel Rahman Dehen who pointed a loaded .22 calibre rifle, with which he had just shot and seriously wounded his wife, in his direction.
The offender complied with a demand to drop the weapon and the Sergeant rushed forward and was able, with the assistance of other Police, to handcuff and arrest him.
A later examination of the offender’s weapon revealed a live bullet had jammed in the breech.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2021 )
Photo courtesy of Joe Stanioch # 14194 from his book – Liverpool Police History.
Cabramatta Police Station with some of the staff: Back Row ( L-R) ? ( a butcher ), ?, Roger Bergamin, Rob Francis, John Mills, Ned Woolaston Front row Mick van der Velde, Gary Heskett, Steve Konemann, ? circa 1982
Julie-ann Bergamin ( daughter-in-law ), Roger Bergamin & Garry Bergamin ( son ).
ROGER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
24 July 1982 — Sergeant Roger Bergamin, of Cabramatta said he had drawn his service revolver and told Dehen: “Drop the gun or I’ll shoot.” Dehen had then …
I worked with Roger a lot of the time when I was a Constable and he, a Senior Constable, from Fairfield and Cabramatta ( 34 Division ) and he was a great bloke to work with and we would often end up at his place or out watching his two sons playing their sport on a weekend.
I often thought of Roger.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate.
Cal
Greg ‘ Cal ‘ Callander
NSWPF # 17463
1975 – 2004
19 April 2021
Upon joining NSWPF, Roger was 5′ 9.5″ tall, 11 stone 10 lb, with hazel eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. He was born in Surry Hills, NSW & was married.
Prior to NSWPF he was a Storeman for 5 years, a Shop assistant for 4 months and a Junior Porter with the NSW Govt. Railway for 3 years .
He passed his:
Cst 1/c exam on 2 September 1965
Sergeant 3rd Class exam on 13 May 1976 after having failed it on 15 May 1975.
His Driver Training for GD cars and Utes ( Bull Wagons ) on 10 December 1963 and was Approved to drive GD Utes and light trucks on 29 January 1964.
He was also Approved to ride Solo cycles on 8 October 1963.
He obtained a mark of 86.25% at completion of Training Class # 95A at the Police Training Centre, Redfern.
He obtained 21 w.p.m. ( Words Per Minute ) in his typing test on 19 August 1963.
He also completed a three day course in Civil Defence Course # 11 on 13 May 1964.
Successfully completed his Sergeant Course, # 3 of Class 1/1979.
John Kevin BOURKE
| 22/11/2023
John Kevin BOURKE APM
AKA ?
Late of Crescent Head, NSW & Cedar Place Aged Care, Kempsey, NSW
NSW Police Training College – Penrith Class # 039
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 6837
Service: From 4 September 1950 to18 February 1989 = 38 years, 5 months, 14 days Service
Rank: Commenced Training as Trainee at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 4 September 1950
Probationary Constable- appointed 23 October 1950 ( aged 21 years, 8 months, 3 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 July 1967
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 May 1974
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 1 December 1977
Inspector – appointed 6 November 1982
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Inspector
Competed in the Commonwealth Games – Wrestling, Diving 10mtr Platform ( 1950 )( 5th position ), Water Polo – Mens – ( 1950 )( Gold )
Stations: ?, Traffic Branch – Redfern, Darlinghurst, North Sydney, Katoomba, CIB – North Sydney, Penrith Training College, Redfern Police Academy – Training Detectives & Cadets, Internal Affairs ( Secondment ), Senior NCO – Taree, Police Academy – Goulburn – Retirement
Retirement / Leaving age: = 59 years, 11 months, 29 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 31 years, 11 months, 29 days
Awards: Police Service & Good Conduct Medal – granted 7 November 1974
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ROBERT B WALKER FUNERALS Kempsey,
South West Rocks & Districts
Ph 6562 4329
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2021 )
JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Constable John BOURKE NSW Police Motor cycle BG-723
Inspector John BOURKE – Goulburn Police Academy
BOURKE, John Kevin
JOHN KEVIN BOURKE APM
Passed away 16th February 2021
Aged 91 years
Late of Crescent Head.
Beloved husband of Lorna.
Loving father and father in law of Robert and Lee, Glenn, Michael (deceased).
Adored Pop of Daniel, Kate, Scott, Hannah, Misheal and to his
great grandchildren Nate and Isobelle.
Relatives and friends of John are invited to his funeral service at the chapel of Walkers Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Frederickton on Monday 22nd February 2021 commencing at 10.00am, then for cremation.
ROBERT B WALKER FUNERALS Kempsey,
South West Rocks & Districts
Ph 6562 4329
This was published 7 years ago
Bent police officer’s pre-emptive strike
The NSW Ombudsman’s investigation into the likely illegal bugging of more than 100 police officers faces one very substantial challenge.
It was called Operation Mascot and it started in January 1999. The ”white knights” of the NSW Police special crime and internal affairs unit (SCIA), along with the NSW Crime Commission, were chasing corrupt NSW police officers.
The ace up their sleeve was a corrupt detective, code named M5.
Worried about being confronted with his own corruption, M5 had made a pre-emptive strike. He voluntarily went to the crime commission in December 1998 and confessed his misdeeds. Early the next year, with SCIA and the commission working hand in glove, he was sent ”under cover” to covertly record his workmates, some of whom were close friends.
Judging by documents obtained by Fairfax Media, Mascot – which ran for more than two years – was not an investigation that built slowly.
Within a few weeks of M5 going to work, Justice Graham Barr of the NSW Supreme Court had approved a listening device warrant that allowed M5 to bug 119 people, almost all of them serving and former police.
An affidavit was presented to Justice Barr giving the reasons the 119 deserved to have their private conversations covertly recorded.
That affidavit has never been made public so what the judge was told is not known.
But one Operation Mascot affidavit has surfaced. It was granted on September 14, 2000, the day before the start of the Sydney Olympics. Justice Virginia Bell of the NSW Supreme Court – who is now a High Court judge – approved a listening device warrant that allowed M5 to bug 114 people. She approved the use of seven listening devices, some to be worn by M5, others to be placed in his house, car and briefcase.
Among those who were to be recorded were some who were corrupt. But dozens of others who M5 was legally allowed to record were honest police such as then Superintendent Nick Kaldas and Superintendent Bob Inkster. Kaldas is now a NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner. Inkster is now, somewhat ironically, a senior member of the NSW Crime Commission which was a key player in trying to bug him more than a decade ago.
According to the warrant approved by Justice Bell, Kaldas and Inkster and the other 112 were suspected of a range of offences – money laundering, conspiracy, tampering with evidence.
Essentially, the accusation was that they were corrupt. The Herald makes no suggestion that either man was, or is, corrupt.
Justice Bell approved the bugging on the basis of a 57-page affidavit from the crime commission.
The Herald has seen a copy of the affidavit. It contains allegations of corruption against many police and is, in parts, quite detailed.
Justice Bell, who had been counsel assisting at the Wood royal commission into the NSW Police five years earlier, was told the affidavit was truthful and accurate.
But an investigation by the Herald has uncovered evidence that parts of the affidavit were either fabricated or wrong.
The documents and the evidence gathered by the Herald suggest that from 1997 to 2001 more than 20 NSW Supreme Court judges were lied to or seriously misled by some officers working within SCIA, which was set up in the 1990s by then commissioner Peter Ryan.
Which brings us to the affidavit of September 14, 2000, specifically paragraph 5.33, which comprises only 13 lines.
Much of the affidavit is taken up with details of conversations between M5 and some corrupt colleagues secretly recorded in police stations such as Manly and at pubs, clubs and farewell functions – often while M5 and his mates were engaged in marathon drinking sessions.
The paragraph reads: “On 10 December, 1999, [M5] unexpectedly met with former NSW Police inspector John Kevin Bourke in The Corso, at Manly. Bourke engaged [M5] in conversation regarding assistant commissioner Clive Small. Bourke used words to the effect, ‘I have the best brief on him’.”
The affidavit says Bourke went on to describe Small’s involvement in the corrupt “release of information” to another police officer which resulted in a drug trafficker escaping conviction.
The affidavit continues: “I suspect Bourke has information or evidence which he believes incriminates assistant commissioner Small.
”I suspect Bourke meant to indicate that he would use that information or evidence to protect himself, if necessary, from investigation or prosecution, or both.”
The Herald has tracked down and spoken with Bourke, who was for many years involved in detective training. He retired in 1989. After being read the allegation about his ”meeting” with the detective known as M5 on The Corso, as detailed in the sworn affidavit, Bourke said: “It is very simple for me to answer, that is all nonsense, poppycock, because it never ever occurred.”
In a subsequent email, Bourke said: “The name [M5] is not significant to me. I can confirm with absolute confidence I have never met any such named person on the Manly Corso at any time in my lifetime.”
He added: “I didn’t like Clive’s haircut and I thought he was a bit self-important. But I admired Clive Small for many reasons. I always found Clive a very trustworthy person in my dealings with him.”
He said the claim in the affidavit that he had the conversation was ”based on a fabrication”.
He said he was prepared to give evidence on oath that this was the case.
Bourke said he had no idea how his name could have been put in an affidavit or on a listening device warrant. He had never been contacted by anyone about the alleged meeting on The Corso or the ”allegations” against Small.
Small had a distinguished career in law enforcement. In the late 1970s, he worked on the Woodward royal commission into drug trafficking and then on a long inquiry into the collapse of the Nugan Hand Bank.
As an inspector, and despite considerable pressure from his superiors, he cleared former NSW Police superintendent Harry Blackburn who had been wrongfully charged with multiple rapes in an inept investigation by NSW Police. A subsequent royal commission into the Blackburn case proved him correct.
In the 1990s he was the commander of the taskforce that led to the conviction of backpacker murderer Ivan Milat. After the Wood royal commission into police corruption in the mid-1990s, he was appointed the head of crime agencies and, as such, was the boss of the major squads such as homicide. He was later chief investigator for the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
When the Herald first showed the affidavit to Small he said there was “something clearly wrong” with the document.
Late last week he told the Herald that to the best of his knowledge he had not seen Bourke since the early 1970s. He said he had never been interviewed or spoken to by anyone about the ”allegation” in the affidavit and had no idea which drug case was being referred to.
He said given Bourke’s categorical denial of the affidavit, “it would appear to me a criminal offence has been committed by one of more people or at a minimum, a serious misconduct”.
He said the allegations about misconduct within SCIA had ”been known to both the government and the opposition for about 10 years”.
“I would seek for the matter to be fully investigated immediately. I don’t want this buried for another two years while the ombudsman investigates.”
The Herald has also obtained NSW Police documents which cast doubt on another claim in the same affidavit presented to Justice Bell: that M5 and other officers ”verballed” or made up admissions by a career criminal, Craig Cant, one of three men charged in 1994 with a violent attempted armed robbery.
On page 7 of the affidavit, it says M5 and another police officer “fabricated an unsigned record of interview with Cant”.
The Herald has obtained a copy of M5’s own record of interview with Cant and the brief of evidence in the case. Cant makes no admission to the crime and, in fact, repeatedly denies knowing anything about it.
When M5 puts a number of allegations to Cant and asks if he has anything to say, Cant repeatedly answers “nothing”.
Asked what he wants to say about phone records which showed a call from a co-offender at 4am at the time and date of the offence, Cant replies: “Nothing. Look I don’t want to be rude but how much longer is this going to take?”
In a second interview, he repeatedly answers “no comment”.
The Herald showed a number of the documents to Small. He said it appeared the police, including M5, had evidence against Cant based on phone and motel records, his credit card and driver’s licence which were all admissible in court.
“In the interviews, Cant’s answers are neutral or denials. I don’t see what the ‘verbal’ could be.”
Charges against all three men eventually fell through because of the alleged police fabrications. One of Cant’s co-accused later went to work for SCIA. He told officers within the unit he and Cant and the other man had indeed committed the crime, which involved breaking into a home at 4am and putting pistols to the heads of a young couple.
How it unfolded
On December 16, 1998, an experienced but troubled NSW detective walked into the offices of the NSW Crime Commission in Kent Street and voluntarily admitted to numerous acts of corruption.
According to documents leaked to Fairfax Media, he was under intense pressure. Some colleagues had come under suspicion and the detective, who became known as M5, feared he was in the firing line.
Drinking heavily, “depressed and anxious”, the documents reveal he said he wanted to “unload”. He admitted to corruption going back to the late 1980s and named other serving and former detectives as bent.
But the confession didn’t have the cathartic effect M5 might have hoped for. In fact it made things worse.
M5’s psychiatrist, Michael Diamond, would later write: “It placed extra pressure on him because he had to keep ‘disappearing’ (from his normal police duties) in order to attend these interviews … he felt suicidal”.
According to Mr Diamond, M5 was in intense distress. A concerned relative had him admitted to a psychiatric unit at Manly, where he stayed for 10 days.
What happened next is remarkable. He was sent to work under cover by the ”white knights” in the NSW Police special crime and internal affairs unit (SCIA). They wanted scalps and M5 was ideally placed to produce them.
The documents reveal M5 was debriefed by SCIA in January 1999 – within days of leaving the psychiatric ward – and transferred to Manly detectives. An SCIA officer, Cath Burn, now a deputy commissioner, said M5 “volunteered” to go under cover and record his fellow detectives, some of whom were undoubtedly involved in corruption and later jailed.
But in advice to the human resources branch on September 16, 2003, a solicitor from the NSW Police legal services branch, Alan Bloomfield, recommended M5 be granted a ”hurt on duty” pension because he had been “forced” to co-operate.
Mr Bloomfield said: ”A memo from Supt [Cath] Burn states that he ‘voluntarily’ offered to assist, but in a practical sense, he did not have much choice.”
M5 kept working as a detective from early 1999 until mid-2001. He was also covertly recording his workmates.
The documents reveal that SCIA bugged M5’s house, car and briefcase, and had listening devices on M5.
Much of the recording was done in pubs, clubs and at functions – and during marathon drinking sessions.
When M5 couldn’t take it any longer, he sued for compensation in the form of a ”hurt on duty” pension.
In 2002 Mr Diamond, advising on M5’s claim for compensation, criticised SCIA’s decision to employ him under cover just after he had left a psychiatric institution.
M5 won his claim and it is understood he was also given an ex gratia payment. His payments are believed to total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
He told Mr Diamond he had been used by someone in SCIA to “settle old scores”. One of the “old scores” appears to have been then Superintendent Nick Kaldas. M5 was sent to see him five or six times. Mr Kaldas had had a serious disagreement with a senior SCIA officer, Superintendent John Dolan. Even police within SCIA were seriously concerned at the targeting of Mr Kaldas.
“I smelt a rat,” M5 told his psychiatrist. “I’ve done stuff you wouldn’t do to your worst enemy … I’ve been used.”
Operation Mascot
1350 boxes of documents (handed over by the NSW Police/Police Integrity Commission/NSW Crime Commission)
20 NSW Supreme Court judges (involved in approving the listening device warrants)
7 investigators (working for Operation Prospect)
$3.5m (extra money given to Ombudsman for inquiry)
114 serving and former police officers and civilians named in controversial listening device warrants approved by Justice Virginia Bell
1984 applications for telephone taps by NSW Police, PIC, Crime Commission in 2011-12
(source: Commonwealth Attorney-General’s report)
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 158C
New South Wales Police Force
ProCst # 92095
Regd. # 17936
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Academy on 23 January 1978 ( aged 19 years, 8 months, 14 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 3 April 1978 ( aged 19 years, 9 months, 19 days )
Constable – appointed 3 April 1979
Constable 1st Class – appointed 3 April 1983
Detective – appointed 9 July 1987
Senior Constable – appointed 3 April 1987
Does NOT appear in the 1989 Stud Book
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: Phillip St ( 4 Division )(ProCst )( 1978 – 1979 )( 2 yrs ), Burwood GDs ( 1980 ), Drummoyne GDs ( 1981 ), Burwood GDs ( March 1985 ), Five Dock ( 14 July 1985 ), Burwood Dets ( 9 Division )( 27 July 1987 – 25 November 1988 ) – Resignation
Service: From 23 January 1978 to 25 November 1988 = 10 years, 9 months, 2 days Service
* * *
After leaving NSWPF, moving to Sunshine Coast, Qld, Dave drove a truck until he joined the Queensland Police Force & Served until his retirement as a Senior Sergeant at Surfers Paradise, Qld.
Qld Police Academy – Class # ? ? ?
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # 11127
Rank: Commenced Training at Qld Police Academy on 6 October 1997
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? 1998
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? 2001
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 2006
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? 2011
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: 16 years at Surfers Paradise ( Team 2 ) – Retirement
Service: From 6 October 1997 to13 December 2013 = 16 years, 2 months, 7 days Service
* * *
TOTAL POLICE SERVICE = 26 years, 11 months, 9 days Service
* * *
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – however:
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?TBA
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( September 2020 )
DAVE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Class 158C – Redfern Police Academy Back Row: R.S. HANSEN, T. HAYWARD, P.A. HARRIS, D.W. HODSON, ALLAN R. GROGAN, P.F.J. HERRING, K.R. HAIGH, MARTIN P. KILLEN # 17965 ( son of FRANK ), M.W. KEENE, P.J. HAYNE Middle Row: W.E. ( WAYNE ) JOHNSON, G.L. GRUMLEY, OWEN I. JENNINGS ( RIP ), T.R. HILL, S.S. HORDEN, B.J. HAYLOCK, P.M. HOPPER, C.R. GREENTREE, J. JOBSON Front Row: P.R.( DUTCHY ) HOLLAND, D.L. JOACHIM, R.C. HOWARD, T.R. HANSON, L.J. DAVEY, M. HUMPHRIES, L.I. JONES, A.J. HAMILTON, P.A. KENNEDY, Bruce J. GRIMALDI.
R.I.P. David Leslie Joachim
15.06.1958 – 17.09.2020
Brother in Blue NSWPOL. 1978 – 1988
QLD Police. 1997 – 2013
On Thursday 24th September we said our farewell to the love of my life, my husband David – Dave, Jocho, loving father to Lauren and Yvette, with our immediate family and friends.
Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions we could only have 50 people attend David’s service.
Our family and I would like to thank you all for the most beautiful and respectful messages we have received. We are overwhelmed by the love and support hundreds of friends and work colleagues have shown David and our family.
David had been very ill for many years. The early signs that David was unwell commenced in 2012 and in August 2015, David was diagnosed with Early Onset Frontal Temporal Dementia.
David’s health deteriorated where he was losing his motor skills, unable to see properly and kept having numerous falls.
Among many other symptoms, his ability to speak, eat, swallow and to walk deteriorated.
David had 167 consultations and follow up consultations over a 3 year period.
I took him to many different medical specialists and he also attended the Frontier Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney in order to properly diagnose him.
David had the most tenacious neurologist on the Gold Coast, Dr Arman Sabet who completed his studies in the U.S.
Dr Sabet kept stating David has a more specific disease because David was still very cognitive and still had an amazing long term memory which he did up until he passed. He did have difficulty with his short term memory. He knew what he wanted to say but his brain wouldn’t allow his thoughts to be transmitted through his speech.
After many tests and bloods sent overseas by Dr Sabet, David was fully diagnosed with PSP, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy which is somewhat similar to MND Motor Neuron Disease. PSP is also like a Parkinsonian disease.
David suffered a horrible and cruel 5 years and on the 17th September, David passed into God’s eternal care. No more torment. No more pain.
I know that you will all miss David as much as we miss him. We all have wonderful and funny stories to tell but that would take forever and I’m sure you will all share those stories and memories.
You all know David was a good, loyal, caring man, always had everyone’s back and you all hold him dearly to your hearts. Our lives will never be the same again.
There are too many people for our family to thank individually. We thank you all very much.
The last thing I would like to say is: If anyone becomes ill from Dementia, PSP, MND, Cancer or whatever terminal disease, please don’t be frightened to keep in contact or visit that person as that person is still the same person you all knew and loved.
That person also remembers you all and also loves you.
Keep safe and healthy our very dear friends, previous work colleagues and families.
Much love.
Helen xxoo
Geoffrey Neil McDOWELL
| 22/11/2023
Geoffrey Neil McDOWELL
AKA Fluffy, Fluffy Duck, The Duck, Geoff
Late of ?
Son to former NSWPF Member – Les WHITDALE # ???? who was a DetSgt at Darlinghurst at one stage.
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern Class # 102
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11314
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Academy on Monday 11 January 1965 ( aged 22 years, 11 months, 29 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 22 February 1965 ( aged 23 years, 1 month, 9 days )
Constable – appointed 22 February 1966
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 22 February 1974
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 December 1980
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 January 1987
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 31 December 1987
Inspector – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Detective Inspector
Stations: ?, Fraud Squad ( 1974 ), Special Crime Squad ( renamed Homicide Squad in 1972)( Det SenCon ), Bureau of Crime Intelligence ( BCI ), Ryde ( Commander )( 1980s – 90s )(17 Division ), Chatswood, Human Resources HR Manager – North Region – Retirement
Service: From 11 January 1965 to3 April 1997 = 32 years, 2 months, 23 days Service
Age at Retirement: 55 years, 2 months, 21 days
Time in Retirement: 23 years, 5 months, 0 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 April 1981 ( Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992 ( Insp. )
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct Medal ( Imperial ) – granted 1 October 1976 ( Det SenCon ) – Apprehension of an armed man.
Born: Tuesday 13 January 1942
Died on: Thursday 3 September 2020
Age: 78 years, 7 months, 21 days
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 9 September 2020 @ 12.15pm
Funeral location: North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
FUNERAL RESTRICTED TO 35 in Chapel and 15 outside)
Wake location: North Ryde RSL, 27 – 41 Magdala Rd, North Ryde, NSW
Wake date: Wednesday 9 September 2020 @ 1.30pm
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( September 2020 )
18 April 1977.
GEOFFREY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
NSW Homicide Squad: Geoffrey Neil McDowell – back row, 2nd from right.
the Special Crime Squad which was renamed the Homicide Squad in the 70’s. This is a photo of that squad taken about 1976 . Geoff McDowell – back row, far left. Jenny Gormley ( Public Service ) – only female in photo.
From John Cooke 7 September 2020 – NSW Fallen Police: Homicide Squad reunion at Police HQ in 2016 with Geoff McDowell on left & Wilfred ‘ Bill ” TUNSTALL ( who died shortly after in 2016 ). Both Geoff and Bill received bravery awards following a siege at Granville in 1975 in which Bill received a gunshot wound to his shoulder/arm. Geoff continued to back up Bill despite being severely affected by tear gas. The offender died in the shootout.
Photo – courtesy of John Cooke NSW Fallen Police
23 months old son of Tunstall, Mathew could not resist to join his father despite the strict protocol and National Anthem during the ceremony. On the right side of Tunstall are Detective Sen.Const Aldo Lorenzutta and further Det Sen Const Geoffrey Neil McDowell, awarded with Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct . Queens’ Awards at the Government House today. Detective Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall awarded with Queens Gallantry Medal. Two-year-old Matthew Tunstall ignored protocol and the national Anthem to run to his father, Detective Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall who was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal at Government House yesterday, April 18, 1977. (Photo by Antonin Cermak/Fairfax Media via Getty Images).
Queens Awards at the Government House today. Detective Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall awarded with Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Det Tunstall (middle) with others awarded with Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct for the same action left Det Sen. Const. Aldo Lorenzutta and Det. Sen. Const. Geoffrey Neil McDowell. April 18, 1977. (Photo by Antonin Cermak/Fairfax Media via Getty Images).
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Monday 4 October 1976, page 3
Six NSW policemen get bravery awards
SYDNEY, Sunday. -Six NSW policemen have received awards from the Queen for bravery, the Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler, announced on Friday.
Constable Lindsay Reginald Basile, who disarmed a man who had attacked him with an axe at Leichhardt about 14 months ago, has been awarded the Queen’s commendation for brave conduct.
For their part in a siege of a gunman in a Granville house in May, 1975. Detective-Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall has been awarded the Gallantry Medal and Detective-Senior Constables Aldo Lorenzutta and Geoffrey Neil McDowell have been commended for brave conduct.
Police shot the gunman dead after he had wounded a woman and Senior Constable Tunstall.
Constable First-Class Udo Starkis, of Parramatta, and Constable Philip Robert Baldwin, of Blacktown, have been recommended for brave conduct for overcoming an armed man in the grounds of the Parramatta Psychiatric Centre in January.
Mrs Nancye Hitchcock ( nee Nancye HOURIGAN ) – believed to have really been melancholy about the loss of her long time husband, John, passed away, peacefully in her sleep, on the morning of 8 September 2020, aged 86 – five days after Johns Funeral.
NSW Police Training College – Penrith Class # 017 – 030
NSW Police Cadet # 0848
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7414
Rank: Commenced Training as Police Cadet on 13 February 1950 ( aged 16 years & 5 months )
Probationary Constable- appointed Saturday 13 September 1952 ( aged 19 years )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 13 September 1963
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 10 August 1968
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 30 September 1976
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 23 April 1980
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Western District ( 1963 ), ?, ‘R’ District ( Newcastle area )( 1969 ), ?, Deniliquin ( Det Sgt ), Wollongong Police Station – GDs ( Sgt 1/c )( 1980s ), Pt Kembla ( Sgt 1/c )( OIC ) – Retirement
Service: From 13 February 1950 to24 September 1988 = 38 years, 6 months, 11 days Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 21 August 1989 ( Former Det SenSgt )
Nothing further found on the Australian Honours system
Born: Wednesday 13 September 1933
Died on: Saturday 29 August 2020
Age: 86 years, 11 months, 17 days
Cause: Dementia – passed in his sleep after it progressed very quickly over the last few weeks
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: H. Parsons, Wollongong, NSW 02 4228 9622
Buried at: Both Cremated.
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( August 2020 )
JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT POLICE RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM – 1981 REAR: L – R: ALLAN PIRIE, JOHN HITCHCOCK, KEVIN VERDON, BOB LONGUE, BARRY ODMARK, PAT CARNEY, KEITH CALDWELL, GRAHAM THOMPSETT, TERRY O’BRIEN, TONY CHAPLIN, PETER CARTER, KEN JEFFREY, NEIL PARSONS, PHIL RUSSELL, GAL CLEARY (COACH), DON JONES (TRAINER), RON JACKSON, STEVE FROST (SECRETARY) FRONT: L – R: BOB LEWIS, GRAHAM KING, STEVE BYRNES, DAVE ROUTLEDGE, STEVE TIER
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT POLICE RUBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM – 1980 REAR: L – R: TED BEAVER (TREASURER), JOHN GUEST, JOHN HITCHCOCK (MANAGER), STEVE BYRNES (SECRETARY), BRIAN WYVER, GRAHAM THOMPSETT, DENNIS CLARKE, PETER SKEENE, MAZ HERMANN, KEVIN SHEPSTONE, JOHN MAY, PHIL RUSSELL, BARRY FOORD, KEVIN GOLDSPINK (COACH), BARRIE KEENAHAN. SEATED: L – R: NEIL PARSONS, PAT DUNN, BOB LEWIS, BOB DALBY, BERNIE DOYLE, JOHN GOOD FRONT: L – R: PAT CARNEY, BOB LONGUE, PAUL JONES, DON JONES (TRAINER), TONY CHAPLIN, BARRY ODMARK, IAN MOORE, BRIAN SMITH, LARRY BARBER, KEN JEFFERY
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT POLICE RUBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM – 1979 REAR: L – R: SERGEANT JOHN HITCHCOCK (MANAGER), STEVE BYRNES (SECRETARY), MAZ HERMANN, PAT DUNN, BRIAN SMITH, PAT CARNEY, DENNIS CLARKE, IAN MOORE, DON JONES (TRAINER) MIDDLE: L – R: ROD HENDERSON, BOB LEWIS, WAYNE COULEY (CAPTAIN – COACH), KEV SHEPSTONE, LARRY BARBER, WADE CHANDLER, JOHN BERNARDI FRONT: L – R: BOB CANTWELL, DAVE ROUTLEDGE, PHIL RUSSELL, GARY THOMPSON, KEN JEFFREY, BOB DALBY, SERGEANT FRANK GROGAN (CLUB PRESIDENT)
Despite the extremely short notice, I am extremely proud of the members of Lake Illawarra Police for arranging a Police Guard of Honour, for such a great man, at the conclusion of his funeral. Cal.
Service History
John Maurice O’CONNOR
| 22/11/2023
John Maurice O’CONNOR
AKA Joc
Late of North Ryde, NSW
Father to Peter John O’CONNOR, NSWPF # 19570 or 43974?
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 117
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 13493
Rank: Commenced Training at Police Training Centre, Redfern on Monday 28 October 1968 ( Aged 20 years, 1 month, 11 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 9 December 1968 ( Aged 20 years, 2 months, 22 days )
Joc – the repairer of lawn mowers in his spare time.
Senior Sergeant NSW Police
O’CONNOR, John
“Joc”
Friday March 13th 2020
Formerly of North Ryde.
Loving husband to Susan,
father to Peter & Jennifer and
father in law to Kirsty.
Brother to Denis.
Adored Pa to Angus and Ruby.
Aged 71 years
Loved by all.
Prayers for the repose of John’s soul will be held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church 3a Mary Street Hunters Hill on Monday March 23rd 2020 commencing at 11.00am.
On conclusion the cortege will proceed to Macquarie Park Crematorium.
In John’s memory in lieu of flowers please donate to Police Legacy. A donation box will be available at the Church.
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