Ray was a V.I.P. Cyclist with the Sydney District HWP.
His nickname was ‘Pin Head’ because the troops reckoned that he had the smallest Police hat at the time.
Ray worked a lot around Manly and French’s Forest areas.
Around 1990 – 1991, he had a fall from his Police Motor Cycle, in the Redfern area in heavy rain, which resulted in him going to hospital with a busted collar bone.
Ray eventually left NSWPF and had attempted suicide on previous occasions leading up to his death.
His death was discovered by his wife.
His family blame the cause of his death upon the NSWPF and requested that no official representation of NSWPF be present at his funeral i.e. – no Police uniforms or Police vehicles.
May Ray have found the peace that he sought and may his family and friends remember the good times with him.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Thursday 1 April 1999 (No.39), page 2649
NOTICE of intended distribution of estate.- Any person having any claim upon the estate of FREDERICK WILLIAM THOMAS SHEAN, late of Dee Why, in the State of New South Wales, retired fire officer, who died on 19th October. 1997, must send particulars of his claim to the executor, Raymond William Shean. c o Harris & Company Solicitors, level 11, 99 Bathurst Street. Sydney, within one ( 1 ) calendar month from publication of this notice.
After that time the executor may distribute the assets of the estate having regard only to the claims of which at the time of distribution he has notice.
Probate was granted in New South Wales on 16th June, 1991. HARRIS & COMPANY, Solicitors. Level 11, 99 Bathurst Street, Sydney, N S W 2000 (D X 724, Sydney tel<02> 92611533
Passed away 17-06-2018 after a courageous 3 year battle with cancer
Aged 82 Years
Late of Harrington Formerly of Cessnock
Beloved husband of MARLENE.
Loving father and father-in-law to LES and KATHLEEN, RHONDA and MARK.
Much loved Poppy to 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A loved and respected member of the MILLWARD and KING FAMILIES.
Relatives and Friends of BILL are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Service in St. John’s Anglican Church, Westcott St., Cessnock this MONDAY, 25-6-2018 at 11.00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Research may be left at St. John’s. C. R. SMYTH & SON One Firm, One Family Since 1925
Published in The Newcastle Herald on June 23, 2018
Bill was involved in the investigation of Crump and Baker whereupon Bill was shot in the head whilst in pursuit of the offenders in 1973 – for which he received the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct in 1974.
Kevin CRUMP & Allan BAKER killed Ian James LAMB & Virginia MORSE with a .308 rifle.
On the 13 November 1973 they were both arrested and are both currently doing LIFE Sentences in gaol.
Kevin Crump and Allan Baker were convicted criminals who had met in prison whilst serving sentences for such offences as breaking and entering, and larceny. After they were released, they met up and opted for a life of robbing for a living – and as it turned out, murder. Their new life began on November 3, 1973.[1]
On that date, and whilst driving a previously stolen vehicle, they used a .308 rifle to murder Ian James Lamb, 43, who was sleeping in his car next to the road to save accommodation costs while he was in the area to look for seasonal work.[2] The murder appeared to be a thrill killing as the pair did not know Lamb.[3]
Three days later they camped near the home of Brian and Virginia Morse in Collarenebri, where one of them had previously worked, as a migrant farm labourer. After watching the house for two days, they abducted 35-year-old Virginia Morse when her husband and their three children left the property. The men drove via back roads towards Queensland, stopping at hotels and garages along the way, and buying beer and petrol with the $30 they had stolen from the Morse homestead. They drove mainly at night to avoid detection. During the journey, Morse sobbed and pleaded for her life. The men stopped south of the Queensland border, tied Virginia Morse to a tree and took turns raping her repeatedly. They then threw her back in the car and continued on their journey.
When they stopped by the Weir River near Moonie they tied Virginia Morse to another tree. They raped and tortured her repeatedly before one of the men shot her between the eyes in an execution style killing. They rolled her body into the river, burnt her clothes then drove back to their camp site.
Arrest
On November 13, ten days after Lamb‘s murder, the pair headed towards the Hunter Region, intending to commit a burglary. However, after their stolen vehicle was spotted near Maitland, the pair took flight from the scene. A police vehicle responding to the attempted burglary intercepted their vehicle en route and a high speed chase ensued. The police car was rammed off the road, and the chase taken up by a second police unit. A police officer in this vehicle was seriously injured when the fugitivesshot him in the face. The car chase culminated at a police roadblock at Woodville, where the pair ran off, shooting at police as they fled into the bush. An intensive ground and air search of the area followed, and the two men were eventually arrested in a nearby river three hours later.
After their capture, Crump tried to evade responsibility for Morse‘s murder in his police statement. “I was forced to kill Mrs. Morse by Baker, because he wanted me to be in as deep as him. He said he was going to kill me if I didn’t. I admit that I was prepared to kidnap Mrs. Morse and even to sleep with her, but once again, as with Mr. Lamb, I did not want to be a part of her death… It was a choice of either me or Mrs. Morse.”[4]
Even though there was compelling evidence that Crump had murdered Virginia Morse, he was not charged with this crime, as she had been murdered in Queensland, outside the jurisdiction of the Government of New South Wales. However he was charged with the murder of Ian James Lamb and with rape and conspiracy to murder Virginia Morse.[3]
Trial
Crump and Baker were tried in the Supreme Court of NSW. At their trial, Crump and Baker pleaded not guilty to the four charges of murdering Ian James Lamb, conspiracy to murder Virginia Morse, maliciously wounding a police officer with intent to prevent lawful apprehension and shooting at police with intent to prevent lawful apprehension. It took the jury an hour and 45 minutes to convictBaker and Crump on all charges. Bakershowed no emotion at the verdict, while Crump appeared to stare at the floor and shudder.[2]
Mr. Justice Taylor then sentenced both men to life imprisonment plus 55 years. The judge said: “You have outraged all accepted standards of the behaviour of men. The description of ‘men’ ill becomes you. You would be more aptly described as animals, and obscene animals at that. … I believe that you should spend the rest of your lives in gaol and there you should die. If ever there was a case where life imprisonment should mean what it says – imprisonment for the whole of your lives – this is it.”[5]
Details of the torture Virginia Morse endured at the hands of Baker and Crump were suppressed during the trial as the information was deemed too graphic and disturbing for the public.[citation needed]
Parole, legislation and court appeals
In 1997, Kevin Crump successfully applied to the Supreme Court of NSW to convert his life sentence into a minimum term and an additional term. McInerney J sentenced Crump to a minimum term of 30 years and an additional term for the remainder of his life[6][7]
In response to this determination the Parliament of New South Wales passed legislation that was intended to ensure that 10 named individuals remained incarcerated for the rest of their lives. The people named in Parliament were Baker and Crump, together with Michael Murphy, Leslie Murphy, Gary Murphy, John Travers and Michael Murdoch who were convicted of the murder of Anita Cobby and Stephen Jamieson, Matthew Elliot and Bronson Blessington who were convicted of the murder of Janine Balding.[8] The legislation required the Parole Board to give substantial weight to the recommendations, observations and comments made by the original sentencing court.[9]
Baker challenged this legislation in the High Court of Australia arguing that it was invalid and incompatible with the integrity, independence and impartiality of the Supreme Court. In October 2004 the High Court rejected his challenge, holding that there was nothing repugnant to the notion of judicial power in requiring significant weight be given to a past judicial recommendation.[10][11]
The effect of the 1997 determination by McInerney J was that Crump had some prospect, however minimal, of being released on parole after November 2003. In 2001 the Parliament of NSW passed further legislation that was intended to ensure that Baker, Crump and other never-to-be-released prisoners could only ever be released on their death beds or if they were so incapacitated that they would pose a threat to nobody.[12][13] In 2003 Crump sought parole; however, this was rejected by the Parole Board due to the 2001 legislation. In May 2012 the High Court rejected Crump‘s challenge to the 2001 legislation, despite the ad hominem component of legislation apparent in the Second Reading Speech.[14][15]
In February 2016 the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed Crump‘s application for leave to appeal the 1997 sentence determination of McInerney J.[16][17]
Kevin Crump was convicted of the murder of Ian Lamb and conspiracy to murder Virginia Morse in 1973.
With his oversized spectacles, balding head and stubby hands, Kevin Crump bore little resemblance to someone described by former premier Bob Carr as “evil incarnate”.
As he rifled through reams of paperwork and struggled to enunciate his arguments, Crump, 66, looked quite ordinary.
Crump is one of the state’s current longest-serving prisoners, having been in jail for more than 42 years for the callous rape, torture and murder of housewife Virginia Morse, 35, and shooting murder of itinerant worker Ian Lamb, 43, in 1973.
In sentencing Crump and his co-offender Allan Baker in 1974, Justice Robert Taylor said the pair should never be released.
“If ever there was a case where life imprisonment should mean what it says – imprisonment for the whole of your lives – this is it.”
However, prior to “truth in sentencing” reforms in 1990, life did not mean life and people sentenced to life imprisonment were released on parole after serving an average of 11 to 12 years.
In 1997, Crump’s sentence was re-determined to a minimum of 30 years, expiring on November 12, 2003, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Justice Peter McInerney said expert psychiatric reports found he was largely rehabilitated and would not be a danger if released.
Following a public outcry, the NSW government made several legislative changes to ensure Crump and nine others – the men who killed Anita Cobby and Janine Balding – are virtually never released on parole.
The changes provide that if a “non release recommendation” has been made by the original sentencing judge, the offender is to remain behind bars until he is so physically incapacitated or close to death that he poses no risk to the community.
In introducing the laws, Mr Carr said the changes would “cement them to their cells”.
As a result, he remains in Wellington Correctional Centre in protective custody despite becoming eligible for parole almost 12 years ago.
Appearing via video-link in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Wednesday, Crump pleaded for another chance to appeal against his sentence. First, he has to convince the court grant him an 18-year extension of time to seek leave against the 1997 judgment.
He said he was representing himself in court because he was unable to get Legal Aid assistance and apologised several times for “not having me paperwork in order”.
He told Justices Anthony Meagher, Geoffrey Bellew and Stephen Rothman: “I believe the sentence I received is over the limit of what I should have received.
“I believe that I should never have received a life sentence because it was not in the worst category of murder cases.”
Ms Adams said that, even if Crump won the right to be re-sentenced, the effect of the 1999 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act is that whatever non-parole period the appeal judges thought appropriate, the court would still have to impose a head sentence of life, which is what he already has.
Crump and Baker killed Mr Lamb at Narrabri on November 4, 1973, by shooting him four times to the head. Soon after, they abducted Mrs Morse, a mother of three, at her homestead, subjected her to 22 hours of atrocities including sexual assault, before shooting her once they were across the border in southern Queensland. They threw her body into a billabong.
Crump was convicted of conspiracy to murder Mrs Morse in NSW and in theory could still be tried in Queensland for her murder, although that is unlikely to eventuate.
The court reserved its decision and told Crump to expect a judgment in two to three weeks.
Always loved, ever remembered and forever in our hearts
Family and friends of Michele are invited to attend her funeral service to be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Bulli, 50 Park Road, Bulli on Friday 6th July, 2018 commencing at 2.30pm.
In Lieu of Flowers donations are invited to The McGrath Foundation & Breast Cancer Network Australia.
At Michele’s request, we ask you to wear a splash of colour to celebrate her wonderful personality and colourful life‘
Early this morning the night sky gained one of its most brightest additions. Mum passed away, sleeping peacefully after a very brave fight.
Our hearts are broken at the universe’s need to take back someone so special but we are forever grateful for the small amount of time we had left to spend with her. There is no amount of time that would have ever been sufficient before we had to say goodbye, and the hole in our hearts that has been left behind will never be filled. No words can describe just what she meant to those who loved her and a life without her seems incomprehensible, but how lucky are we to have had such a beautiful person in our lives, one who lit up any room when she entered, knew all the right things to say and who always knew how to laugh at herself.
Today I lost my best friend, my mum and the other half of my heart, but I am forever thankful to whoever or whatever sent me to her, because there are very few people who have such the effect mum did, and I am truly proud to be her daughter.
Sean, Carly and myself are overwhelmed with the amount of love and support from every person we have spoken to, who’s visited and who sent their love over the last, very quick, few days. We tried so hard to get in contact with as many people as we could, but time kept moving and we just didn’t have the chance to get to everybody.
Details for Michele’s service will be sent out in the coming days – please contact us if you would like any further information. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Hello Everyone,
Below are the details for Mum’s service should you wish to attend.
At Michele’s request, we ask you to wear a splash of colour to celebrate mum’s vibrant personality and colourful life.
Friday 6th July 2:30pm St Joseph’s Catholic Church. 50 Park Road Bulli
Followed by a celebration of mum’s life at Towradgi Beach Hotel. 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi.
Please feel free to contact myself or any of the family should you want/need to. A notice will also be placed in the Illawarra Mercury.
Thank you for all of your love and support over the last few weeks and we look forward to celebrating just how wonderful a person mum is and was xx Olivia Michele Southam-Byrnes
My memories of Michele:
When I, and other mates, transferred from Cabramatta / Fairfield to Wollongong G.D’s around 1982, Michele was a Public Servant working the front counter of the very old Wollongong Police Station in Church St, Wollongong.
We worked with Michele most shifts and she was a great girl and we were always laughing.
One shift that we were working with Michele, we had loaded a couple of her cigarettes with bits of a sparkler.
She finished her late shift and left to go home to Bulli where she was living with her parents, Kath & Reg, at Bulli Police Station residence.
Southam’s, at the time I lobbed up at Wollongong Police Station, were a local police identify.
Reg was a SenSgt at Bulli and, later, Wollongong whilst his brother, Darrell was a Senior Constable with the Police Prosecutors at Wollongong Police Station. Both were lovely and likeable blokes.
On our next shift together Michele related a story about how she was driving north, along the Princes Hwy, North Wollongong, and decided to have a cigarette.
As she was driving, she lit her cigarette and was enjoying drawing back on the thick smoke entering her lungs ( as most of use smokers did back in those days ).
She said she was driving along and next thing, her cigarette started to sparkle and shoot sparks out everywhere and she nearly crossed to the wrong side of the road as she tried to comprehend what was happening before throwing the cigarette out the window in disbelief.
We all laughed at the way she described it and, to this day, I’m not sure whether we told her how it happened or not.
We used to have great times with practical jokes and the old telex confetti over the years.
Michele worked with us, at Wollongong, for many years before she finally pulled the pin and went onto other, and greater, things in her life.
The cigarette mischief was well over 30 years ago and I still laugh about it.
The next time I met up with Michele was at either Darrell’s funeral or her father, Reg’s funeral, and it was like yesterday. She was a bit older but still the same Michele from back in 1982.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate. Your smile and humour will always be remembered.
Love
Greg Callander
Retired NSWPF
1975 – 2004
Stephen William OFFEN
| 12/07/2018
Stephen William OFFEN
Late of Hawkins Village, Edgeworth ( Newcastle )
NSW Police Cadet # 1995
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class 115
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 13314[/alert_yellow]
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – Commenced 22 February 1965
Probationary Constable – appointed 28 June 1968
Constable – appointed 28 June 1969
Detective Senior Constable – appointed 28 June 1977
May 1984 – became sick
Passed his Sergeants Exam about 1982 but due to his illness, was never promoted because he was on ‘Light Duties’.
Stations: Bondi GD’s ( 1969 ), Hamilton GD’s, Detectives Course – 1978, Newcastle Detectives – Newcastle Drug Squad – Newcastle CIB ( Light Duties due to illness – Retirement
Service: From 22 February 1965to 4 October 2001= 35years Service
It is reported that Steve collapsed, at work, whilst carrying a type writer in 1980 – 4 years prior to a spot being found on his brain via scans.
Steve was off work for 3 months prior to this ‘spot’ being found.
As a result of this incident and dropping the type writer, the matter was classified as Hurt On Duty ( H.O.D. ) until the Commissioner of Police eventually reversed that decision causing Steve to have to fight for his entitlements during such a hard time in his life.
Being the policeman that he was and dedicated to “the job”, Steve was more concerned and disappointed about NOT being granted his Sergeant’s rank than he was of the Commissioner reversing his H.O.D. status. Steve had already passed his qualification exam but because he now found himself on ‘Light Duties’, he was deemed not able to fulfil the role of Sergeant and thus, was not promoted past the rank of Detective Senior Constable.
Steve, having being diagnosed with the blood clot at age 34 and having Served NSWPF for 35 years, was eventually Medically Retired from NSWPF, aged 51, on 4 October 2001 due to his continuing health decline.
During his early Retired years, Steve worked at the local Police Boys Club with the Bicycle Safety program, which he developed, with the RTA ( now RMS ) providing the push bikes and helmets that he used at local schools to teach the young students bicycle safety on our streets. Since Steve could no longer provide this service due to his illness, no-one has taken up the slack to provide this useful service to the local youth.
Steve, due to his severe debilitating illness, spent his last few years in the full care of his wife, Lorraine.
Steve, in his healthier years was a strong swimmer and represented NSWPF in the Police Olympic pool at Narrabeen and won Gold.
May Steve forever Rest In Peace.
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Robert Lawrence SASAGI
| 12/07/2018
Robert Lawrence SASAGI
AKA Sausage
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 30858
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 18 February 1996
Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Redfern – 7 Division ( 160297 – 100503 ), Wollongong – 82 Division ( 110503 to death ) was also ‘on loan’ to Lake Illawarra – 79 Division – Final Station – but still attached to Wollongong LAC
Service: From 18 February 1996 to 10 June 2018= 22+years Service
Awards: NSW Police Medal – granted 13 February 2007
Commendation for Brave Conduct – granted 25 August 2008
National Medal – granted 14 July 2014
National Police Service Medal – granted 26 October 2016
Born: 8 June 1965
Died on: Sunday 10 June 2018
Age: 53 ( he stayed to celebrate his birthday with family )
Cause: Cancer – stomach ( diagnosed in 2015 )
Event location: Home – with family
Event date: Sunday 10 June 2018
Funeral date: Friday 15 June 2018 @ 11am ( Full Police Funeral )
Funeral location: The Salvation Army Hall, 13 Burelli St, Wollongong
Funeral Parlour: Parson’s Funerals, Wollongong
Wake 1: A small Wake will happen at the Hall after the funeral
Wake 2: A Police Wake will happen at the Fraternity Hall, Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow, from 1pm – food organised by Mr Craner, Commander, Wollongong LAC
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial located at: ?
2014
[alert_blue]SAUSAGE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It was Rob’s wish to be at home and with his family. It was also his wish to share this prepared post:
” The problem when suddenly faced with your own mortality is timing. Initially, you think you have no time to do everything you planned to do with your life.
Then you think you have plenty of time. Time to tell people the important things. How much you love them. How much they mean to you.
Now arrived the time when the newest scare returns. It’s been a few weeks coming, but now I know it’s the real thing, the real McCoy.
It’s now not a matter of timing, I know there’s none left.
I won’t tell you not to be sad, because if it were any of you, I’d be sad. just know that I’m at ease and have come to terms with it.
You just need to know, my life has been better for having you in it. I draw great comfort from your friendship, your kindness, and your love. Simply put, my life is better for having known you. “
Rob Sasagi.
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Sausage was such a loved part of Illawarra Policing that when is plight became known, his Blue Family, blood family, his friends and businesses came out of the woodwork in March 2016 to raise much needed, and very much appreciated, funds which enabled Sausage and his family to fulfil their bucket list and spend that quality family time together in which to make life time memories for the family.
May Sausage forever Rest In eternal Peace.
Cal
2014 – Police Football
2014
2014
2015 – Sausages 50th birthday
2011 Mr. T
2008 – Joel, Sausage & Stacee
2017 – Sausage & Lawrence Drury
Feb 2018
Feb 2018
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An insight of a man fighting Cancer
9 February 2018
This is Robs latest post ????????
Okey dokey, my long delayed update and promised anniversary summary. Perusing my last update I mentioned upcoming surgery which took place near the end of November. Day surgery turned into major surgery and to say I was a little miffed when I woke up with tubes out of most orifices would be an understatement. It made for a miserable December, being for the most part bedridden. Beginning of January signalled a slow turnaround of sorts. Things still aren’t great but there is some improvement. In the immortal words of Tim Rogers, ‘I’m thinner than I should be’, tipping the scales at a whopping 70 kilos. I’m still vomiting although not on the previous scale. I’m limited on the volume of food my body will allow me to eat. The amount of muscle wastage still has me weak as a kitten but I’m better than I was. In short, I’m slowly getting stronger. It’s a very long road but I’m ALIVE, a subject I’ll address in a moment. Prior to my trip to New Zealand I had to obtain the all clear from my Oncologist which was timed with scans, being end of January. Result of scans was again positive. Big boy is still unchanged and secondaries are either the same or have shrunk a bit. In a nutshell, the Clinical trial is working a treat. What we need now is the rest of the body to play ball, but as the Oncologist said, with all that’s happened to it, it’s a wonder it functions at all. Like me, my body is too stupid to know when it’s beat. We’ll see. Alrighty!!! Funnily enough surgery time coincided with the prognosis anniversary, 2 years since the news was broken to us. I’m long since supposed to have left this mortal coil, so to say I’m pleased with myself would be another understatement. I’m not given to bouts of braggadocio but I will allow myself this one. Given what I’ve been forced to endure, especially this last 9 months a serious “Fuck you Cancer” is in order. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If not for my family and friends, I can honestly say I would have given up the ghost a long time ago. I know you say I’m strong but there have been many many quiet moments when it’s all seemed hopeless. Sometimes it’s like I’m sending out a telepathic signal, because around that time someone wants to meet up and chat. There are a lot of you, too numerous to mention but I feel I must at least name and shame my serial pests. Shannon Arnold , Scott Nicholls , Dean Richens , you three in varying degrees have kept on me, drawing me away from all my vain attempts at self pity. I’ll have my revenge upon you, just you wait. One day you’ll want to feel sorry for yourself and I’ll be there to lift you up. Aaah, vengance be mine. Mention must be made to NSW Police Force, Wollongong Local Area Command. The amount of care and compassion I’ve received has been completely humbling. All staff at Wollongong, downstairs to upstairs have been nothing short of magnificent. The admin staff have pretty much taken care of everything for me, nothing is too hard. Life is so much easier with my blue family in my corner. Coming up. Well since I managed NZ my next target is Bali in March with serial pests Shannon Arnold , Stew Art , and Scott Nicholls. Should be a quiet one. Next is Uluru in May. My crazy wife Kathryn Bailey is doing the Larapinta track walk for ‘Chris O’Brien Lifehouse ‘ which is 5 days. We’ll meet her up there and take her poor exhausted body back to Uluru and a bit of resort living for a few days. Phew!! Still here. So, here I am, over two years down the track. Still alive and kicking despite the best efforts of this miserable disease. I’ll admit it, there’s been very hard times, times which make you question everything and whether it’s worth it and times you’re ready to give up. As they say in The Shawshank Redemption (mine and pretty much every mans favourite movie), “Get busy living or get busy dying.” I think I’m managing both quite well thank you very much. Well, if you silly buggers are still here for the ride, then I may as well stick around for a bit longer. Talk to you all later.
Rob Sasagi
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Robert SASAGI Memorial Cup. 2019
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PHOTO’s FROM THE FUNERAL
All photos, on this website, are 2meg in size. If you want any particular photo up to 32meg in size, simply contact Cal
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
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FUNERAL DETAILS
As you all should know, Rob passed away on Sunday and we are in the process of organising his Funeral. Below is some background admin for your information.
There will be an Official Nemeses message sent soon.
For your information Mr Craner was able to organise a Promotion for Rob and that is why he is now a Senior Constable, which is a great result. Rob will be in uniform.
This will be a full Police Funeral. Dress for Police attending is Court uniform with Leather jacket, tie and Large Medals. Commission officers are aware of their uniform.
Funeral for the Late Serving Officer – Senior Constable Robert Sasagi
11am, Friday 15th June 2018
The Salvation Army Hall,
13 Burelli St, Wollongong.
I need a minimum of 20 and no more 30 Uniform Police for Marching Escort Duties. This is the Escort that marches in front of Rob when he is leaving the Salvation Army Hall in the Hearse.
Rehearsals are 9.30am to 9.50am at the Salvation Army Hall. If you wish to do this Duty, which is a very honourable duty can you please get back to me, by email, SMS me, or call me.
Bob Minns Ph. 0439070265
TIMINGS
8.30am, Rehearsals for Pall Bearers
9.30am to 9.50am, Rehearsals for Marching Escort. (Marching Escort contingent will be given time to make it back from the Hall to the Police Station to be involved in the large march done)
10am, Police in uniform meet at Wollongong Police Station. (it would be great to have a minimum of 50 police marches please)
10.15am. March from Wollongong Police Station, leaving from Court Lane, marching to the Salvation Army Hall. I will be guiding you to the Hall (We will be asking Mr Worboys & Mr Barrie to thank the marching Police)
10.25-30am, Police marchers arrive at Hall and may be met and thanked by a Family member for attending. (Rob’s wife Kath really wants to see police marching down Burelli Street in respect of Rob)
10.30am, Rob will leave from Parsons Funeral Directors under VIP escort to the Hall
10.35-40am, Rob will arrive,
11am, all Family, friends, Police and Community inside the Hall. (500 seats available and room for 500 standing.)
11am, Police Pall Bearers will bring Rob into the Hall.
11am to 11.40-12mdService for the late Senior Constable Rob Sasagi.
12md Marching Escort move out of the Hall prior to the completion of service.
12md, Pall Bearers bring Rob out of the Hall.
12md All persons who want to be involved in the Guard of Honour are to leave the hall after Rob is taken out and set themselves up on both sides of the Road east of the Hall towards WIN Stadium.
At the completion of the Rob’s Funeral Service there will be a small ‘Wake’ at the Salvation Army Hall.
From 1pm, the Police ‘Wake’ at the Fraternity Club, Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow. Food is being catered for by Wollongong PD and thanks to our Commander Mr Craner for organising this part.
The Pall Bearers (Carrying Rob’s Coffin) will be his good friends Scott Nicholls, Stewart Arnold, Dean Ritchie, Heath Rhind, Brett Sergeant, Martin Miller, Darren Martin and Haydon Govers.
Others roles are given to Jason Hogan, Shannon Arnold and Vicky Elliott and myself.
For your information Jason Hogan and Ben Buffett from PANSW visited Kath today and passed over the $100,000 Police Provident Fund money and the $15,000 PANSW Funeral assistance money.
Two PANSW Trust Funds have also been set up for Rob & Kath’s children, Grace and Elliott.
Firstly our Commander Mr Craner has organised Police from Lake & Far South Coast to help us with numbers so Wollongong Police who were on night work can now attend the Funeral.
Police who are working on the day (Friday day shift) and want to go to the Funeral or who are happy to stay at the Station and cover positions for those police who want to attend, please talk with Sergeant Scott Rickard who is supervising on the day shift.
We have a Traffic Plan in place and I thank Andrew Cotton and the Wollongong Council for doing this.
Due to time frames can you please pass this information on to other police who are in your group/team, send it out to police who no longer work here or who have left the “Job‘ put it on Face Book. Tell family and friends. We need to get the information out please.
Please any questions call me.
All the best
Sgt Bob Minns
Ph.0439070265
Tue 12 June 2018
via Cal
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‘True gentleman’: Much-loved Wollongong cop Robert Sasagi dies
Cydonee Mardon
Police officer Robert Sasagi knew his time had run out. He’d had ups and downs during his three-year cancer battle, but this time it was the real thing, the “Real McCoy”.
He’d known it for a few weeks. He wrote it down in a post he asked his wife Kath to share once he had gone.
The much-loved Wollongong cop died on Sunday, but not before spending one last birthday on Friday with his wife and children. And not before his NSW Police Force colleagues showed one last sign of respect.
Wollongong commander Superintendent Chris Craner paid a personal visit to Constable Sasagi’s bedside in Austinmer on Friday to deliver news he had been promoted to senior constable.
Supt Craner said Rob was considered a “senior mentor for the troops”, had worked as a senior investigator and deserved the promotion.
The boss made a special application to NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and had it approved post-haste.
”It’s an emotional time for his family and colleagues and it’s important that he was appropriately recognised,” Supt Craner told the Mercury.
Word of the senior constable’s death spread quickly, with tributes flowing from police and members of the broader community.
A keen footy player, the Wollongong Police Falcons said the world had lost one of its greats.
“He will be remembered as the true gentleman that he was and one of the toughest blokes I know to pull on a Falcons jersey,” the club said.
A career highlight was Rob’s 2014 commendation for brave conduct. Whilst off-duty, he witnessed a man clutch a bloodied arm on a passenger train. He disarmed the offender and detained her until on-duty police arrived.
According to his wife Kath, Rob wanted to spend his last days at home and she felt lucky his wish came true. She shared on Facebook the post he had prepared.
“The problem when suddenly faced with your own mortality is timing,” he wrote.
On the job: Senior Constable Rob Sasagi during a major drug raid in December 2016. The popular police officer died on Sunday. Picture: Robert Peet
“Initially, you think you have no time to do everything you planned to do with your life. Then you think you have plenty of time. Time to tell people the important things … Now arrives the time when the newest scare returns.
“It’s not a matter of timing, I know there’s none left. I won’t tell you not to be sad, because if it were any of you, I’d be sad. Just know that I’m at ease and have come to terms with it.”
Tributes
Constable Robert Sasagi was presented with a bravery award in 2005 after he disarmed a woman with a knife who had just stabbed someone on a train.
So sad RIP you died a hero to humanity. Janet Selby, Albion Park
Dear Rob. It saddens me to hear that you are no longer with us mate, but I am releaved that you are now at peace. I will miss our morning discussions about our belovered Parramatta Eels. In those famous Pellegrini words ‘usual coffee Rob’ I will endeavour to continue this legacy in your honour mate. Always remembered. Denis & Dave, (Bar Pellegrini) Keiraville
Our lives are so much enhanced having had you on that jouney as a workmate more importantly as a bloody great friend and human being. Sincere condolences to all your family. You were so brave, may you rest in eternal peace my friend. Paul Davidson Primbee
Thank you for all that you did for our region. My thoughts are with your loved ones. Mandy Mt Warrigal
Our Thoughts are with Robert and his Family. We are all proud and grateful for Roberts service in the force. May he rest in peace and watch over us in another life ❤ Alex Breslin, Coniston
RIP MATE, AND BIG THANK U TO ALL MEN IN BLUE SAM, WARILLA
You were a terrific mentor to the junior troops. RIP Good man. Vito Gaudiosi, Dapto
I remember when he got the bravery award in 2005. Well deserved, but that was Rob. Worked GDs with him a few times. Will be sadly missed Dave M, Figtree
A true gentleman and a genuine man. It was a pleasure to know you and work alongside you. You will be missed Sausage. Fly high xx Sharon Johnson, Nichols Hunter Valley
I didn’t know you but as a retired cop, I dip my hat to you…..RIP Spike McCallum, North Avoca Beach
Sad news. prayers to all family members. John Stephenson, Tarrawanna
Blessed are Gods children go in peace.He will always protect his family from cop Heaven Susan Caruana, Ipswich Queensland.
Oh Rob! Pete Theodore, Woonona
A brave protector gone to rest !! Sleep in peace in His arms and suffer no more Vincent de Vos, Oak Flats
RIP Rob. A great shamrock lost. A pleasure to have had u as mate Adam Potter, Shamrocks
A good man Norman, Woonona
Had the pleasure of working with Rob at Redfern many years ago always a bright light whatever shade the rest of the world seemed. Thanks Rob Barry Wright, Ulladulla
Hi Kathy…..very sorry indeed to hear of your loss Dic Morgan, Camden Town, London
So sad and so proud. Loved your family and loyal to your brother and sisters in arms. Uncle Fraser, Sue and Paris Perth, Western Australia
You were a top bloke and you will be missed. Rest easy mate Aiden, Dapto
RIP Robert xx Jo. Mahssen, Shell cove
Nephew you are now at the card table in the sky with our beloved aiga who have passed. Keep an eye on their sleight of hand eh? Alofa atu Aunty Tina Aunty Tina, Melbourne
Malo le tau. Malo le toa. Manuia lau malaga Robert. Alofa atu julienne and ted. Julienne Johnston, Hillsborough
Deepest sympathy to your family. Thank you for all you did. Heather Tweedie, Coffs Harbour
I understand the feeling which is close to my heart. Lovely too get to do these things. Thinking of you and your family. Maureen Stephenson, Woonona
Fate whispers to the Warrior, ” You can not withstand the Storm” The Warrior Whispers back I am The Storm; you will be sadly missed my cousin, but never forgotten, Arohanui. Ringo Rissetto,West Auckland, New Zealand
Alofa atu Rob, e manuia lou malaga Rest in Love Michael Mau’u, Glen Eden New Zealand
Rest in Peace and Love Cuz Robert. Timu. Auvaa .Tito, Blacktown
The world will be a quieter place without your smile, heart and friendship, you were a true Argonaut in my life thank you for your freindship. Doug Ringhoff, NSW
May you rest in peace my old Redfern mate. Loved your sense of humour & everything about you. Fly high my friend. Lesley Townsend, Redfern
Embarkation: from Sydney on board HMAT A37 Barambah on 23 June 1916
Age at embarkation: 25
Occupation: Labourer
Address: ‘ Lindburn ‘, Mudgee, NSW
Next of kin: Father, Robert John Yorke, ‘ Lindburn ‘, Mudgee, NSW
Religion: Church of England
Single / Married: Single
Returned to Australia: 5 April 1919
Awards: ?
[/blockquote]
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 27 October 1890 at Cooyal, Mudgee, NSW
Died on: Saturday 18 January 1936
Age: 44
Cause: Heart trouble & disabilities sustained at the Great War – WWI
Event location: Home – Morgan St, Adamstown
Event date: Saturday 18 January 1936
Funeral date: Sunday 19 January 1936 @ 2.15pm
Funeral location: Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Perkin St, Newcastle then Graveside – Sandgate Cemetery via Civic Railway Station
Funeral Parlour: David Lloyd Funeral Director
Buried at: Sandgate Cemetery,
GPS of Grave: -32.867239428, 151.706454238
Anglican 2, Section 139, Lot 78
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_blue]JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Grave location:
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John Frederick YORKE 27-10-1890 to 18-1-1936 YOU MEET AGAIN. LOVE LFNJDL Eva Mabel ( Lena ) YORKE 2-4-1890 to 14-1-1992 It is not known, by this website, what the acronym means.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 – 1954), Monday 3 February 1936, page 6
ANOTHER DIGGER PASSES
Constable Yorke Hears Last Call
A GALLANT digger, fine comrade and splendid citizen, in the person of Constable J. F. Yorke, ” went west ” at Adamstown quite recently, and Australia is the poorer by his passing.
Son of Mr Robert J. Yorke, a pioneer settler of the Linburn district, deceased spent his early life among us, and won for himself friends among all classes of the community.
When the war drums sounded he, with other young patriots, sprang to arms, and on the other side he did honor to the country which reared him.
As a machine gunner in the 53rd battalion, he fought with the cool courage of a veteran, and returned to Australia with a proud record of service.
The police force then attracted him, and he linked up with the northern branch.
For about 14 years he fulfilled a public duty with the same splendid spirit which characterised his war service, and earned the respect of those among whom he served and the confidence of his officers. The high esteem in which he was held made itself manifest at his funeral, the sad cortege being one of the most impressive seen in the north for many years.
From the War Memorial Institute, Newcastle, marched over 70 members of the police force, including the officer in charge of the division (also representative of the Commissioner). Inspectors Aspery, McAlpine and Davis, and other prominent officials.
A sorrowing widow and six children are left to mourn a devoted husband and father, and their grief is great. His venerable father, who has borne up with great fortitude under the buffetings of adversity, will have the deepest sympathy of the whole district.
Other members of the bereaved family are Mr Stan Yorke (brother). Mrs Drew (sister,. Home Rule), and Mrs B. Pyne (sister, Sydney).
The ” Guardian ” sympathises with the sorrowing family who, however, will. And some consolation in the knowledge that their loved one was held In such universal respect.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), Monday 20 January 1936, page 6
POLICE MARCH
Funeral of Constable Yorke
Headed by the band of the 2/35th Battalion, 70 members of the Newcastle police force, led by Constable S. ( Stephen ) Pender, marched yesterday at the funeral of Constable John Frederick Yorke, who died suddenly at his home at Adamstown early on Saturday morning.
The funeral left the Returned Sailors and Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Perkin-street, yesterday, and proceeded to the Civic railway station, and then to Sandgate Cemetery.
The coffin was draped in the Union Jack.
The chief mourners were the widow, the father, Mr. Robert Yorke, of Linburn, near Mudgee: sisters. Mesdames C. H. Raisin, of Linburn, S. Pyne, of Sydney, Mrs. A. James, mother-in-law, of Home Ride, near Gulgong: Mesdames Esther Simpson. A. James, and Miss T. James sisters-in-law: Mr. Edgar James, brother-in-law of Home Rule; and the Mayor of Paddington (Ald. T. J. Whelan), a close friend.
The pall-bearers were Constables W. S. Brady, H, G. Brady, K. J. Costello. and E. Francis. Detectives E. H. Schumack and C. W. R. McMahon. and Messrs. W. Yates and A. Williams, representing the Adamstown Bowling Club.
Rev. M. M. Redman, of the Church of England, Adamstown, held the graveside service.
The service of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, of which Constable Yorke had been a member, was read by the Deputy Grand Master ( Bro. G. Kelly ).
Constable Yorke was born at Mudgee 44 years ago.
Death was due to heart trouble and the effects of disabilities sustained at the Great War, where he served three years with the 53rd Battalion.
He is survived by his widow and six children.
Quiet and unassuming, he was popular in the police force which he joined 16 years ago.
He had been stationed at Newcastle for the past 11 years.
Among those present at the funeral were the Officer in charge of the North-Eastern police district (Mr. J. H. White), who represented he Commissioner of Police (Mr. W. J. Mackay): Inspectors J. H. Aspery, A. G. McAlpin. and F. Noble: Messrs. W. Snow, President, and G. Hook, Secretary representing the Friendly Societies’ Association; Mr. J. Tarn, Assistant Clerk of Petty Sessions, representing the staff of the Newcastle Courthouse: and several members of the Adamstown Bowling Club.
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Sergeant 3rd Class – Death
Stations: ?, Central – 1 Division, 11 Division, Dubbo, Narromine ( 4 years up to Jan 1913 ), 14 Division, 12 Division – Kogarah ( promoted to Sgt about 1926 ), Narromine – August 1927, Newcastle West – from August 1927 – May 1935, Newcastle – from May 1935 – Death
Service: From12 February 1908to 1 September 1936= 28years Service
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), Wednesday 2 September 1936, page 6
SERGEANT W. A. STUBBS DEAD
Sergeant Third-class William Albert Stubbs, attached to the Newcastle police station, died at 9.30 last night at his residence in Janet-street, Merewether.
He had been ill for several months.
Born in 1886, Sergeant Stubbs joined the police force in 1908, and had served at many stations.
He had been at Newcastle West and Newcastle for about 10 years, and was well liked both inside and outside the police force in the North.
Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), Thursday 3 September 1936, page 10
POLICE FUNERAL IN NEWCASTLE
LATE SERGEANT W. A. STUBBS
Impressive scenes marked the police funeral this afternoon of Sergeant W. A. Stubbs, who died at his home at Merewether on Tuesday after a long Illness. A large party of police marched before and after the flag-draped coffin through the city to the railway station and the cortege was headed by the military band of the 2/35th Battalion, with drums draped in crape.
Footpaths on both sides of Hunter street along the route of the funeral procession were lined with people.
The Commissioner of Police was represented by the Superintendent of the North-Eastern Area (Mr. J. W. White) and other police officials present were Inspectors W. A. Davis and A. G. McAlpin. A large number of representatives of the Retired Police Association marched in the cortege.
The chief mourners were: The widow, Mrs. T. Brown and Miss F. Stubbs (daughters). Messrs. William, Cecil, and Alfred Stubbs (sons), Messrs. Leslie and Cecil Stubbs (brothers), and Constable S. Phillips. The pall-bearers were Sergeant E. Williams, Sergeant J. Petith. Sergeant J. W. Booth, Sergeant P. A. J. Harris, Constable L. Douglass and Constable W. Brady.
A large crowd gathered outside Wood Coffill’s funeral parlor chapel, where the service was held by Rev. A. H. Venn, of Merewether, and traffic was suspended temporarily while the cortege passed into Hunter street.
After the military band, marched the funeral escort of 20 constables, six sergeants, a commissioned officer and the police drill instructor (Constable S. ( Stephen ) Pender), who had charge of police marching arrangements at the funeral. After the hearse, marched the remainder of the police to the mourning party.
This party was headed by Constable J. P. Magnay who, with the president (Constable E. Konza) represented the Newcastle branch of the Police Association.
Then followed representatives of the Retired Police Association and detectives and a large number of members of the public.
Among other police at the funeral were: Sergeants P. Homann, E. Moore, L. McLeay, W. Knox, G. Noble, J. L. Phillipson, Constables K. Brennan, A. Meskell, R. Mason, A. Dawes, N. L. Collier, L. Boucher, J. Kemp, R. Ford, A. E. Loseby. K. Dimmock, E. W. King, J. E. McGrath, R. S. Mulvaney, J. W. Mackaskill. S. W. Johnson, C. C. Ward, R. Kirkup, W. Moroney, G. F. Page. Sergeant W. L. Alford. Constables D. G. Sutherland, M. T. Emerson, A. T. Williams, C. W. R. McMahon, E. Shumack, A. Burns, C. E. D. Evans. Constable C. Woodlands, Constable J. R. O’Connor, Sergeant R. Shaw, Constable P. J. Grannal, Sergeant H. Thompson, Constable H. G. Brady, Constable R. Hurtz, Constable O. Schwarzer, Constable J. Allport; Constable W. Handcock, Constable J. O’Keefe, Constable W. Silvey, Constable F. Murray, Constable F. Gordon, Sergeant G. McGrath, Sergeant R. L. Harivel.
The Retired Police Association was represented by the hon. secretary ( ex-Sergeant J. Chandler), ex-Inspector H. J. Boland. ex-Sergeants J. Bell, J. McLean. P. P. O’Keefe, E. Kilner, A. McRae, T. Prior, R. Weir, T. Nolan and ex-Constables F. Leek and J. Clarke.
Others present were Rabbi I. Morris, the Superintendent of Newcastle Ambulance (Mr. E. L. McKay), District Officer R. Currer, representing Newcastle District Fire Brigades, Mr. J. T. Smith, representing the Valuer General’s Department, Mr. A. J. Barr, representing W. H. Gurton Tire Co. Ltd., Mr. E. L. Standen (John McGrath), Mr. R. L. Simpson (H. E. C. Robinson Ltd., Sydney). Mr. D. J. Partridge, Mr. J. Dart, the President of the Newcastle East Parents’ and Citizens’ Association (Mr. A. Clarke), and representatives of the City of Newcastle Lodge No. 7, P.A.F.S. of A.
Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), Tuesday 14 May 1935, page 7
NEW POLICE SCHEME
NEWCASTLE WEST NOW LOCK-UP DOOM OF THE BEAT
The introduction of police mobile patrols into the Newcastle district in the near future, will spell the doom of the beat system, which has been in existence for many years.
A direct result of the comprehensive reorganisation of the force, which was commenced immediately the new Commissioner of Police (Mr. Mackay) took office, will be the withdrawal of many officers from suburban stations, which will be converted into lock-ups, each attended by a resident constable.
The first step in this direction was taken yesterday when Sergeant Dean, who is at present on extended leave, and Sergeant Stubbs were transferred to Newcastle headquarters, leaving Constable Dawes in charge.
Similar procedure will be followed gradually at many suburban stations.
As the change proceeds Hamilton will become the base for motor cycles and cars, in which policemen and detectives will tour adjoining municipalities.
CRUISING PATROLS
Call boxes will be established throughout the Newcastle district, from which cruising patrols will report at regular intervals to headquarters. By this means it is hoped to reduce such crimes as housebreaking, as one of the many patrols will be in almost constant touch with headquarters and can be despatched to the scene of a robbery immediately information is received. The quicker moving mobile patrols will make the task of the burglar much more hazardous than hitherto.
It is expected that many of the men will be absorbed in the mobile division, and some others will be transferred to Sydney.
The revolutionary changes to be made are not an experiment. A scheme on the same lines has been put into operation in Sydney, and apparently is giving satisfaction.
Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), Wednesday 3 January 1934, page 8
SERGEANT SAID HE WAS KICKED
WILD SCENE AT POLICE STATION
The story of a wild scene at Hunter street West police station, in the course of which a police sergeant was kicked in the stomach and had his nose broken by a prisoner, was told at Newcastle Police Court this afternoon.
It was also alleged by a constable, who said he was summoned to the station from an adjoining patrol, that the prisoner hurled a tub at his head.
Thomas Cullen (31), laborer, pleaded not guilty to a charge of having assaulted Sergeant Stubbs, and beaten and otherwise ill-treated him, causing him actual bodily harm, on December 16.
Sergeant Stubbs said that after having arrested Cullen for being drunk, he told him that it had been alleged against him that he had assaulted a man after asking him for sixpence.
Continuing, the sergeant said that when they were within 30 yards of the police station at Newcastle West, Cullen punched him on the head and knocked his cap off.
The sergeant said that he then held down his prisoner by the leg and arm, and asked a passer-by to restore his cap to his head.
Later, while they were going up the steps of the passage way, Cullen kicked him in the stomach.
In the charge room he did the same thing again, so the sergeant, threw him to the floor.
After taking Cullen to a cell, said the sergeant, he was fixing up the prisoner with blankets, when Cullen again kicked him in the stomach and punched his nose, making it bleed.
Subsequently the sergeant was taken by the ambulance to a surgery, and the doctor found his nose was broken.
A FORWARD KICK
To Mr. O’Neill (for Cullen), Sergeant Stubbs denied that he had drawn his baton at any stage. The kick was what would be called on the football field a forward kick. He did not know that Cullen had been treated for severe injuries. He had thrown Cullen in the charge room, and he might have been injured while assaulting other men.
Constable Page, of Wickham, said he found the sergeant sitting down dazed, and bleeding from the nose.
DREW HIS BATON
” When I went to the cell, ” he added, ” Cullen said he would bash my head in if I came in, the same as he had done to the sergeant. ”
” I asked him to hand over the cell tub, and he rushed across and hurled it at my head. It hit the door as I closed It. ”
To Mr. O’Neill, the constable said that he pulled out his baton before opening the cell door.
My view is that we dont sugar coat it this community like many others across the state, is facing a huge problem with ice. – Superintendent Clint Pheeney. 5 Feb 2015
Assistant Commissioner Nick Kaldis and Supt. Clint Pheeney
Show of force: Tamworth’s top cop, mayor back medical marijuana
POWERFUL ALLIES: Oxley local area commander Clint Pheeney, left, and Tamworth mayor Col Murray have backed a local family’s campaign to have cannabis decriminalised for the terminally ill. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 090514GOD02
THE extraordinary cascade of support in Tamworth for medical marijuana continues, with the city’s mayor and top cop rallying behind the cause.
Tamworth mayor Col Murray and Oxley local area commander Clint Pheeney yesterday backed the Haslam family’s political campaign to decriminalise the drug for the terminally ill.
They join a host of other local leaders and medical experts in publicly lobbying the state government to change the laws governing medical marijuana.
Superintendent Pheeney, who has been with NSW Police for 39 years, said the case put forward by the Haslams was “overwhelmingly compelling”.
“I have vigorously pursued drug suppliers for many years and will continue to do so,” he said.
“But this is not about loosening the laws; this is about us as a community showing compassion and understanding to people who are suffering terminal illnesses.
“Many suffer unbearable pain that current ‘legal’ drugs are unable to provide relief for.
“I would ask everyone to ask themselves this question: if you or your loved one was suffering severe pain and other chronic symptoms that could be alleviated by the use of a drug such as cannabis, would you perform a criminal act and use it or obtain it for your loved one?
“I dare to say that most would say yes.”
He said changes to the current legislation, as recommended unanimously by a NSW upper house standing committee last year, with a “rigorous governance framework” should be considered.
Cr Murray backed Superintendent Pheeney’s comments, saying his view had changed in recent weeks.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought and done a lot of research since the debate started and I’ve changed my view to become a supporter (of medical marijuana),” Cr Murray said.
“I’m quite happy to stand beside Clint in public and support his words.
“There’s irrefutable medical evidence that there’s cause to consider this form of treatment.”
But Cr Murray, a staunch opponent of recreational drugs, said medical marijuana would have to be strictly policed.
“I have absolutely zero tolerance for marijuana as a recreational drug; it’s a scourge on our society,” he said.
Local businesswoman Lucy Haslam, whose 24-year-old son Daniel has terminal bowel cancer and found relief from cannabis, said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“It’s great to have the support of someone like Col, and for a senior police officer to publicly make the distinction between medical and recreational cannabis is amazing,” Mrs Haslam said.
A petition calling on the state government to legislate for medical marijuana now has almost 27,000 signatures.
24 November, 2014 3:58PM AEDT
Tamworth leads national conversation on medicinal cannabis
It was March this year; a most unlikely family started a most unlikely campaign.
In the court yard of a coffee shop in Tamworth, I sat opposite local Mum, Lucy Haslam and she told me about her son 24 year old Dan who was dying of cancer.
She explained how he had recently found that cannabis offered him some relief to the nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite caused by his treatment.
Since then Lucy, Dan and their family have been on an incredible journey, calling on the NSW Government to adopt the findings of its own upper house parliamentary inquiry and decriminalise cannabis for the critically and terminally ill.
The family’s efforts have since been rewarded with the state government moving to offer its support and promise to run a trial.
The Premier, Mike Baird with also officially open this weekend’s medicinal cannabis symposium organised by Mrs Haslam.
This week on the Morning Show we’ve been finding out more about the symposium.
We’ve spoken to Lucy Haslam about what she hopes the symposium will achieve.
Seven network senior reporter and presenter Helen Kapalos will MC the event. Helen first covered the story for the ‘Sunday Night’ program earlier this year and says she is now determined to see a result.
Dr David Allsop is a Research Fellow in Psychopharmacology and Addiction Medicine at the School of Psychology at University of Sydney. He’ll be providing an Australian perspective on cannabinoid research
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Palmer has also been invited to speak at the forum.
Mr Palmer says the current approach to drug management in Australia is not working.
“The evidence is almost overwhelming, the current prohibition approach to illicit drugs and cannabis has been an abject failure, and to keep focusing on people for using and possessing as if they are criminals, and to deal with that in a criminal way is to avoid the reality of the problem.”
“Supply can be controlled, particularly for medicinal cannabis, the impetus would be for it to be prescribed by medically authorised doctors or pharmacists, and that it would be delivered on a needs basis. To me it is almost a no brainer to deny it.”
“The momentum has started and it is irresistible.”
Green’s Senator, Richard Di Natalie will preview a piece of federal legislation he plans to introduce in parliament next week on legalising medicinal cannabis at the symposium.
He says the system could be modelled on the federally regulated poppy industry.
“A national uniform framework and then it is up to each state to decide whether they opt in to that. We think that it is just common sense that states would prefer to have this legislated nationally, that there is a consistent set of laws, it means that individuals who are using the drug through a prescription from a doctor are exempt from any criminal prosecutions. It means that rather than have state government’s introducing policies around trials and so on that we can go ahead and do this properly in the same ways as we do other medicines.”
He says he’s seeking a chance to brief the Prime Minister,
“It would take months to establish the regulator and so on, but in the end of you do it properly, it will be much quicker than going down the route of clinical trials, I think the evidence is very clear, we know medicinal cannabis is effective for some specific medical conditions like nausea from chemotherapy and so on, and for those conditions, we just need to move quickly.”
In December the Government is expected to reveal compassionate changes to police discretionary powers around allowing people with terminal illness or cancer use of medicinal cannabis.
It is also expected to outline the tender process for at least three clinical trials of medicinal cannabis for adults and children.
The Premier has asked Parliamentary Secretary and Liberal MLC, Catherine Cusack to support the working group developing the government’s response. She says more details will be revealed in December.
The Oxley Local Area Commander, Superintendent Clint Pheeney was a part of the symposium’s law and order panel, he says he has suffered no repercussions since speaking out in support of the Haslam’s earlier this year.
Cancer Doctor, Police Chief recognised in Australia Day Honours
Updated
A number of community members across the New England North West have been recognised with Australia Day honours.
The list includes cancer specialist Dr Robert Smee, now a Member of the Order of Australia, and Superintendent Clint Pheeney, recognised with an Australian Police Medal.
The Head of the Oxley Local Area Command, Superintendent Clint Pheeney, has received an Australian Police Medal.
The award makes special mention of Superintendent Pheeney’s leadership in the aftermath of the shooting death of Tamworth Highway Patrol Officer, Senior Constable David Rixon, in 2012.
Superintendent Pheeney said that incident was the most difficult time in his career but he was buoyed by the way police in Tamworth rallied together to support one another.
“A leader is really no better than the people around him, and I would have to say that from the most junior Constable up to senior members of the management team, everyone bonded together and supported one another,” he said.
“I was immensely proud that I was their Commander during that period of time.
Commander Pheeney is one of only a handful of NSW Police to be recognised this year.
He said working with the community is one of the best parts of the job.
“With all the negatives and all the bad things that police see, we also see some really good things where, members of the community save other people’s lives or where police have in the past rescued people out of motor vehicles or houses on fire and those people have lived,” he said.
“We see people at their worst but we also see them at their best.”
Superintendent Pheeney joined the NSW Police Force in 1975, and has been in Tamworth since 2008.
” The last Mounted Policeman attached to the Metropolitan Force “
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘ Q ‘ 4667
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
The following promotions for the metropolitan police district have been approved by the Inspector-General of Police, to take effect from 1st proximo:- Sergeant Robert J. Rodgers, to be Senior-Sergeant : Senior-constable Thomas Mankey to be Sergeant : Constable Robert Reed to be senior-constable.
The following notifications appear in the “Government Gazette” issued yesterday: —
Senior-constable Robert John Rodgers, of Kogarah, to be sub-Inspector under the Licensing Acts, 1882 – 83, for the metropolitan licensing district, to take effect from the date of commencing duty.
