Senior Constable Roe died at the Campbelltown Hospital on Christmas Day, 1987 as a result of myocardial infarction. His death was attributed to his stressful occupation carried out in busy centres over a period of almost twenty years.
The constable was born in 1945 and joined the New South Wales Police Force as a trainee on 27 October, 1969. At the time of his death he was stationed at Macquarie Fields.
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Humane Society of NSW – Bronze Medal
Senior Constable Ronald Noel Roe together with SenCon Barry Terence TRAYNOR # 14422 both received the Bronze Medal from the Royal Humane Society of NSW
Senior Constable Ronald Noel Roe was awarded a Bronze Medal for actions involving poisonous gases at Lightning Ridge on the 5th February 1978.
‘Johnnie’ ROE was a front row forward who played for Wentworthville Leagues Club.
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Paul Cole Wed 24 July 2019: A funny man John was. I remember hiding in the bush watching a Indian hemp plantation near Lightning Ridge with John, Detective Sergeant De Audney and Sergeant Dick Paul. The offenders came out and began watering the plants and John stood up and said, “ what are you doing here Brownie?” The offender said, “ We are looking for pigs. “ Quick as a flash John says, “ Well you just found f……g four of them. Your under arrest.”
Andrew Thomas DIXON
| 27/10/2012
Andrew Thomas DIXON
New South Wales Police Force
Goulburn Police Academy – Class 222
Regd. # 229 or 230??
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on 18 August 1986
Probationary Constable – appointed 7 November 1986
Final Rank: Probationary Constable
Stations: Pennant Hills October 1986 to 3 June 1987
Awards: Nil
Service:
From 18 August 1986to 3 June 1987 = 11 months
Born: ? ? 1966
Died: Wednesday 3 June 1987
Age: 20
Cause: Illness – Suicide by Service firearm
Location: at Lane Cover River Park, Lane Cove.
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location:
Eastwood
Grave Location:Cremated
Memorial plaque at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Delhi Road, North Ryde, NSW
Niche: Row ‘TO’, plaque # 348
Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.
Andrew Thomas DIXON. Plaque condition as of 8/9/2020
ANDREW IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
In April, 1987 Constable Dixonand other police attended a serious motor vehicle accident at Mt Colah. A person trapped in the vehicle became violent when released and Constable Dixon assisted in restraining him. During the struggle the constable was covered in a considerableamount of the injured person’s blood. It was later discovered that this person suffered from HIV/AIDS. Due to stress and concern over the disease, Constable Dixon drove to the Lane Cove River Park on 3 June, 1987 and committed suicide.
The constable was born in 1966 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 August, 1986. At the time of his death he was stationed at Pennant Hills.
From Kevin Banister – I remember this very well. I was working at Pennant Hills when Andrew arrived as a fresh faced Probationary Constable. He was a fine young man built like a brick s**thouse. When he was told that the accident victim had HIV/AIDS he began to withdraw very quickly. All at the station were concerned for his welfare and tried to help where possible.
On the afternoon of 3/06/87 Andrew had worked morning shift and I was on afternoon shift. At the hand over Andrew said goodbye with a smile on his face and went home, or so I thought. I was not aware that he was supposed to be attending the PMO (Police Medical Officer) for an appointment after work. I got a call from his mother just before sundown to say that Andrew had not come home and were concerned for his welfare. Pennant Hills was a Rescue Squad/General duties station at the time and I was the senior operator rostered on. I made a number of phone calls including to the Lane Cove station and Marrickville Rescue base. Not long after we received info that Andrew’s car had been located in a dead end street off Delhi Road beside the Lane Cove river.
As a result I and my offsider Bob Hanson attended in the Rescue vehicle. Numerous other Police vehicles arrived along with the Water Police. I organised a number of search parties and headed into the scrub towards the river. Reached the riverbank and saw that the Water Police had also began a search in the area we were in. Again, a short time later I and my offsider found the body of Andrew with his service revolver by his side. I indicated to the Water Police to come over (not using the radio) and told them that they were no longer required. The boat crew saluted and left the scene. A discrete message was sent to the command post as I knew that his parents were at the post and could hear the radio transmissions.
When we emerged from the bush with Andrew’s body many of the Police were in tears as he was a local boy and well known. His funeral was standing room only and the street blocked off for the overflow. During the period of the time of the accident and Andrew’s death he had a number of blood samples taken, but due to the technology of the time he was told that it could be some time before they knew if he had became infected. About a month after his death we were informed that he had not become infected. R.I.P. my friend.
Mark Ian POSTMA
| 27/10/2012
Mark Ian POSTMA
New South Wales Police Force
Constable
Illness
Ashfield
Died 23 February, 1987
On 23 February, 1987 Constable Postma completed his rostered shift and attended a club where he engaged in a physical fitness workout. Shortly afterwards he entered the bar area of the club and consumed a few glasses of orange juice. He then collapsed. Other police assisted Constable Postma until the arrival of an ambulance which conveyed him to the Canterbury District Hospital. He was found to be dead on arrival.
The constable was born in 1964 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 April, 1984. At the time of his death he was attached to the Ashfield Highway Patrol.
Ross Francis JENNINGS
| 27/10/2012
Ross Francis JENNINGS
Late of ?
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 102
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11335
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 11 January 1965 ( aged 20 years, 3 months, 24 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 22 February 1965 ( aged 20 years, 5 months, 4 days )
Constable – appointed 22 February 1966
Senior Constable – appointed 22 February 1974
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ???
Sergeant 3/Class – Death
Stations: ?, Western District, – Death
Service: From 11 January 1965 to 1 September 1986 = 21 years, 7 months, 21 days Service
On 1 September, 1986 Sergeant Jennings was at home at the police residence attached to the West Wallsend Police Station. While he was mowing the lawns (one of his duties) he suffered a fatal heart attack.
The sergeant was born in 18 September 1944 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 22 February, 1965. At the time of his death he was stationed at West Wallsend.
National Police Remembrance Day ceremony in Lake Macquarie
David Stewart
September 29 2017 – 4:27PM
POLICE from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have unveiled plans for a memorial wall at Belmont to honour the seven local officerskilled in the line of duty since 1863.
Plaques commemorating the seven officers were dedicated to the wall in a ceremony at Belmont police stationthis afternoon, National Police Remembrance Day.
Chief Inspector Murray Lundberg of Lake Macquarie LAC presided over a private ceremony attended by police, local high school students, and the families of the fallen officers.
“This is a time for reflection on the ultimate sacrifice that police officers can give in the execution of their duty,” Chief Inspector Lundberg said.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, the Northern Region Commander, said the wall of remembrance, to be created on the distinctive blue wall at the entrance to the police station, would be striking.
“It will be a sight to treasure,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
“I want the officers, as they are walking out the front doors of this police station, to stop and reflect on the names, stop and reflect on the sacrifice.”
He said he hoped that the inaugural plaques to be installed on the wall were also the last.
“My dream is that we never, ever, add another name to this wall. I hope and pray that our wall is now complete.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Greentree reached out to the families of the fallen officers.
“No commemoration or recognition can make good the loss that is unfairly carried by family members,” he said.
“I can only offer you my heartfelt condolences. Please know that your loved ones, who are no longer with us, will always be remembered.”
Across NSW, ceremonies were held to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the 269 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and through injury or illness, since the formation of the NSW Police Force in 1862.
Jillian Cupit HAWKES (FRAZER)
| 27/10/2012
Jillian Cupit HAWKES ( FRAZER )
late of Kirrawee, NSW
New South Wales Police Force
Redfern Police Academy Class 104
Regd. # P/W 0073
Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? July 1965
Probationary Special Constable – appointed Monday 16 August 1965 ( aged 25 years, 10 months, 29 days )
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Special – Senior Constable – appointed 16 August 1974
Detective Sergeant 3rd Class – retired
Jill was One of Three Police Women to obtain their Diploma in Criminology from Sydney University at the time.
Retired Hurt On Duty on 17 December 1982
Was Awarded ‘ Policewoman of the Year ‘ for bravery in 1979
Died from Arrest Injuries that happened at Milsons Point, North Sydney, NSW – Assaulted on 30 July 1977 which resulted in the amputation of one of her legs.
Born: Monday 18 September 1939
Died: Tuesday 22 April, 1986
Age: 46 years, 7 months, 4 days
Funeral Date: Thursday 24 April 1986
Buried: Cremated.
Cemetery: Buried at Woronora cemetery, Linden St, Woronora, NSW
Grave Location: GG. Rose Garden 18, Position 0080
Jillian IS MENTIONED on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.
On 30 July, 1977 Detective Senior Constable Hawkes and another detective attended Sydney’s Luna Park in relation to a complaint. While the offender was being escorted from the park he began to struggle violently and kicked Detective Hawkes’ legs out from under her. When she fell to the ground the offender continued kicking and stamping on her.
As a result she suffered an injury to her right leg which later developed a malignant bone tumour. The leg was amputated and after being fitted with an artificial leg Detective Hawkes returned to work.
On 17 December, 1982 she was discharged medically unfit.
On 19 April, 1986 the former Detective Sergeant Hawkes lapsed into a coma. She died three days later on the 22 April 1986.
The detective sergeant was born in 1939 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 16 August, 1965.
Touch Plate – National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra ( 2015 ) for Jillian HAWKES
Woronora Cemetery, Linden St, Sutherland. Police Memorial Section
Kevin John COULSON
| 27/10/2012
Kevin John COULSON
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: Constable 1st Class
Stations: ?, Newcastle S.T.P. – Retired H.O.D.
Service: From 10 August 1953 to 26 July 1964 = 10+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1931
Died on: 2 February 1980 ( 20 years after MVA )
Age: 49 – 50
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Police Bike – Rider
Event location: Newcastle
Event date: Saturday 30 January 1960
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Newcastle Memorial Park, Beresfield
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_green]KEVIN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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Funeral location: TBA
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On 30 January, 1960Constable Coulson was riding a police solo motor cycle to Newcastle Police Station to commence his rostered shift.
En route the cycle was involved in a collision with another vehicle and the constable sustained serious injuries.
As a result he was discharged from the police force medically unfit.
During the next twenty years former Constable Coulson‘s health continued to deteriorate until he passed away on 2 February, 1980.
His death was a direct result of the injuries received in the collision in 1960.
The constable was born in 1931 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 10 August, 1953.
At the time of the accident he was a solo cyclist attached to the Special Traffic Patrol.
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Reginald Hugh STEVENSON
| 27/10/2012
Reginald Hugh STEVENSON – QPM
aka Blowfly
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 5498[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Police Cadet – appointed 1 March 1943
Probationary Constable – appointed 21 February 1947
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 19 May 1968
Detective Sergeant 1st Class – SHOT
Detective Inspector – appointed 6 March 1976
Detective Inspector – Retirement
Joined: NSW Police Force via
NSW Police Cadet System on 1 March 1943
Cadet # 400
Stations: ?, General Detectives at the old CIB in the old Hat Factory, Darlinghurst ( # 3 Division – Det Sgt, early 1970’s ), Newtown
Service: From 1 March 1943 to ? ? ?
Awards: Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct – granted 17 February 1976
Queen’s Police Medal – QPM – granted 16 June 1979
Born: 20 February 1926
Event Date: 9 December 1974
Event type / Cause: Shot – 1974. Damage to liver & kidney / Heart Attack in 1980
Event location: Newtown
Died on: 19 January 1980
Age: 53
Funeral date: 11 February 1980
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated & Buried in Botany ( NOT Rookwood ) Cemetery
Banks Court Loggia, Wall A
Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra
Academy athletics 1943
The cartoon was presented to Detective Inspector Stevenson when he returned to work after being shot. It was donated by the Detective Inspectors wife to Newtown Police Station last year ( 2013 ) as part of their memorabilia collection.
Queens Police Medal ribbon
Offender, David DITTON who shot Reg.
The Sydney Morning Herald
2 May 1975
page 6 of 12
Botany Cemetery
Botany Cemetery
Botany Cemetery
On 9 December, 1974Detective Sergeant 1st Class Stevenson was shot in the chest after confronting an armed offender in Newtown. Although seriously wounded at the time he continued to direct other police at the scene until he was taken to safety. As a result of the incident Sergeant Stevenson was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. He was promoted to the rank of detective inspector in 1976.
On 19 January, 1980 Inspector Stevenson died of a heart attack and it was determined that his death was ultimately caused by the 1974 injuries.
The detective inspector was born in 1926 and joined the New South Wales Police Force as a Cadet in 1943. He was sworn in on 21 February, 1947.
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NEWTOWN LOCAL AREA COMMAND POLICE COMMEMORATION SERVICE
Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [7.07 p.m. 8 May 2013]: Recently at Rookwood Cemetery I attended a memorial service to commemorate police officers from the Newtown local area command killed in the line of duty. The moving service was attended by Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldis, Superintendent Simon Hardman, the commander of the Newtown Area Local Command, many other police representatives, and relatives and descendants of the police officers. Those attendees included Ms Avona Wallace, Mr and Mrs Norman Stephenson, Mrs Lynette Everton and Ms Edna Stevenson. Representatives from the emergency services and community members were also in attendance. The member for Campbelltown, Bryan Doyle, attended representing the Premier.
The five officers being remembered at the ceremony gave their lives to protect the community. They were Constable First Class John Wallace, Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, Constable Lionel Guise, Detective Inspector Reginald Stevenson and Constable Pashalis Katsivelas. The ceremony to mark the sacrifice of these officers reflected on the enormity of their contribution to the community, as well as the impact of their death on their families. It is often said, and it is true, that police officers leave their homes for each shift uncertain of what any day may bring and whether they will return at the end of the day. We owe these men and women our deepest gratitude for the risks they face and take every day in their job. At Rookwood Cemetery we visited each of the graves of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and behind each individual was an illuminating life story.
We began at the grave of Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, who died 80 years almost to the day of the commemoration. Constable Stephenson joined the Police Force in 1912, and four years later enlisted in the army, later joining the fight in France during the First World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing injured soldiers while under fire. Remarkably, when he returned he rejoined the Police Force and continued to serve until his death on 9 April 1933 after a tragic accident involving a motorcycle at the then Newtown Stadium while performing general duties policing.
We were also told the story of Detective Inspector Reginald Hugh Stevenson—I was honoured on the day to meet his widow, Ms Edna Stevenson, who still had strong memories of the incident that led to Inspector Stevenson’s death. Detective Inspector Stevenson joined the NSW Police Force as a cadet in 1943 at the age of 17. In an act of extraordinary selflessness, Detective Inspector Stevenson was on annual leave on 9 December 1974 when he decided to go to work to assist in the planned arrest of a dangerous offender in Newtown, at the time telling his wife, “I don’t want my boys doing this on their own.” During the operation he was shot in the chest after leading his team in pursuit of the offender.
Detective Inspector Stevenson partially recovered and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. However, he died in 1980 of a heart attack, deemed to be the result of the injuries he sustained on duty in 1974. These officers are just a few of many across New South Wales whose lives have been cut short as they have gone about performing their duty. I pay tribute to them all. They will not be forgotten and local events such as this are a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge two Marrickville police officers, Sergeant Stewart and Constable Steele, who on Monday of this week rescued an intellectually disabled person from a house fire in Marrickville. Thankfully, those two officers who took huge risks survived and are quite rightly being hailed as heroes by their colleagues and the community. It is yet another example of the risk our police men and women take every day in order to keep the community safe. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to them.
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Dallas Cyril KEMP
| 27/10/2012
Dallas Cyril KEMP
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?
Detective Sergeant 3rd Class
Stations: Mayfield
Awards: ?
Born: 1932
Event: 25 June 1974
Died: 13 July 1974
Illness – Heart Attack
Cooper St, Redfern
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried / Cremated: Grave location?
On 25 June, 1974 Sergeant Kemp was undertaking the Sergeants Course at the Redfern Police Academy. While participating in a jog along Cooper Street the sergeant collapsed. Other police commenced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived and conveyed Sergeant Kemp to the Rachel Forster Hospital. He unfortunately suffered a cardiac arrest on 13 July, 1974 and passed away.
The sergeant was born in 1932 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October, 1956. At the time of his death he was stationed at Mayfield.
[alert_green]Dallas IS memorialised on the Police Wall of Remembrance [/alert_green]
John Thomas GILL
| 27/10/2012
Sergeant 2nd Class John Thomas GILL
Regd. # 6063
Age: 47
Heart Attack
Hurstville
12 May, 1973
About 6.50am on 12 May, 1973 Sergeant Gill left his Hurstville home to drive to work at Campsie Police Station. On finding his car wouldn’t start the sergeant pushed it about seventy metres to attempt to start the vehicle on a downgrade. He then sat back in the driver’s seat and collapsed. A neighbour called the ambulance which conveyed Sergeant Gill to the St George Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The sergeant was born in 1925 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 April, 1948. At the time of his death he was stationed at Campsie.
Raymond James PAFF
| 27/10/2012
Raymond James PAFF
Late of Corrimal
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, “possibly” Werris Creek, Wollongong
Service: From ? ? pre January 1949 to 19 March 1958 = 9+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1929 at Nabiac, NSW
Died on: 19 March 1969
Age: 39 – 40
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Pedestrian – directing traffic.
On the night of 5 August, 1953 Constable Paff was directing traffic around a traffic accident on the Princes Highway, near Mt Ousley Road at Fairy Meadow.
A taxi approached the constable, who was using a torch, and slowed down. Another vehicle which had been travelling behind the taxi then attempted to overtake. As it did so it struck Constable Paff, carrying him along about twenty metres and throwing him to the ground.
The constable sustained serious head injuries as a result of the incident.
Due to deteriorating health caused by his injuries Constable Paff was discharged from the police force in March, 1958. He then worked for some time as a handyman on the Wollongong Council. He suffered a fatal cerebral haemorrhage at work on 19 March, 1969.
The constable was born at Nabiac in 1929 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 January, 1949. At the time of his injury he was stationed at Wollongong.
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Wollongong police memorials
ALEX ARNOLD
The NSW Police Force carries on its logo the phrase “Proud Traditions since 1862“, but capturing the history of these traditions at an operational level has never been a priority for the force.
However, almost 150 years after it was first formed, NSW Police – and Acting Southern Region Commander Gary Worboys in particular – is using history as a tool to instil pride in those wearing the uniform.
Three memorials for Wollongong police officers who died while serving the community were unveiled at Wollongong Police Station yesterday at a ceremony attended by family members and former colleagues of the deceased officers.
The memorials, located in the hallway of the detectives’ floor, feature images and biographies of the men as well as an account of the incidents that led to their deaths.
The memorial wall was Mr Worboys’ idea, with Senior Constable Dave Henderson given the task of completing the project.
Snr Const Henderson said the project had involved research through police archives, old copies of the Illawarra Mercury and interviews with family members.
Mr Worboys, who will return to his former role as Wollongong Local Area Commander at the end of the month, said he became inspired to record police history during his time as commander of the Goulburn LAC. It was there he heard about a policeman who’d been shot by bushranger Ben Hall’s gang at Collector.
Mr Worboys said research led to the discovery of the grave of the officer, Samuel Nelson, in a cemetery near the police station, but it was found to be an “absolute shambles“.
The grave was restored and distant family members invited to take part in a subsequent ceremony, proving to Mr Worboys the value of history to the police force.
“There is so much history associated with police stations, but as walls get painted and people move on we don’t capture that history.”
“The memorials and the stories they have attached to them provide officers with a link to the past and makes them realise they are not the only ones who have walked these corridors.”
Mr Worboys said the memorials not only represented distinguished service, but the trauma, grief and heartache suffered by families.
He said the last death of a Wollongong officer on duty was in 1969, and he hoped no more stories would be added to the wall: but the memorials were a reminder that policing was a dangerous occupation.
Among those at yesterday’s ceremony were Constable David Reiher‘s father Bruce ( RIP – Nov 2009 ), and Constable Ray Paff‘s widow Valerie, who described the memorial as “a wonderful tribute” to her late husband.
“It may have been a long time ago. But you never forget,” she said.
Constable Raymond Paff, who was seriously injured at Wollongong recently is a brother of Mr. Rory Paff of Wallanbah.
Constable Paff, who is stationed at Wollongong was investigating a car smash when another car ran into him. He received a fractured skull and other injures and was admitted to Wollongong hospital.
POLICEMAN INJURED ON DUTY AFTER ACCIDENT. COURT TOLD
The hearing into a charge in which a man, allegedly under the influence of liquor at the time, allegedly struck down a police constable on traffic duty, began in the Court of Petty Sessions yesterday.
Leslie Wallace Speed. 27 years old engineer of Webber St., Towradgi, was charged with having caused grievous bodily harm to Raymond James Paff, while driving a motor vehicle under the influence. The accident occurred about 6.25 p.m. on August 5, while Constable Paff was directing traffic near the intersection of the Mount Ousley turn-off and Prince’s Highway. It was stated that at the time, Constable Paff was directing traffic around a small car which had overturned.
Speed is alleged to have knocked Paff down as he drove past. Paff received a fractured skull and lacerations to his head, hands and legs.
Det. H. North said that when he questioned Speed he could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath. Speed had admitted having six beers between 4.30 and 6 o’clock that afternoon.
He had claimed that he had not seen Paff until he was right on top of him, said Det. North. Speed, said Det. North, had admitted that his brakes and lights were not as good as they could have been.
When he was being charged Speed had admitted that he was under the influence and had declined the services of a doctor, Det. North alleged.
A motor mechanic, Donald Frazer, of Douglas Rd., Fernhill, stated that he had tested the brakes on Speed‘s car and had found them slow to respond. The hand brake was ineffective and the lights were dull. The case was adjourned until June 7.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Monday 10 May 1954, page 5
Engineer Charged With Causing Grievous Bodily Harm to Constable
A 27 years old engineer, Leslie Wallace Speed, of Webber Street, Towradgi, appeared at Wollongong Court last week on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm, by driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, to Constable Raymond James Paff, of Wollongong.
The hearing of the charge was adjourned after six of the 12 witnesses to be called by the Police had given evidence. The hearing will be resumed on June 2, Speed being allowed: £40 bail.
Det. H. O. North, of Wollongong, said that at 6.20 p.m. on August 5 he went , with Const. Paff to the scene of an accident north of Mount Ousley Road turnoff on Princes Highway. Shortly after they arrived, Constable Millar also came on the scene.
Const. Paff began to direct traffic around a small sedan car that had overturned on the highway. He had a lighted torch in his right hand and was controlling traffic with it. Const. Paff was also illuminated by the lights of the overturned car. Det. North said he heard a bump and Const. Millar called out something. He looked and saw a car travelling towards him at about 25 m.p.h. He saw Const. Paff lying across the bonnet of the car, which was travelling north. The car swerved onto its incorrect side of the roadway and he had to jump out of its way. Const. Paff then disappeared from view and the car continued on and came to a halt on the eastern side of the roadway.
Det. North said he then saw Const. Paff lying sprawled across the centre of the roadway and immediately ran to a phone and contacted the ambulance. When he returned Paff was seated on a wooden ramp on the footpath on the eastern side of the roadway. Const. Millar approached him with Speed and told him Speed was the driver of the car that struck Paff.
Det. North said he told Speed he could smell liquor and asked him if he had been drinking beer. Speed replied that he had six middies of beer at the Wollongong Hotel between 4.30 p.m. and until the time the hotel closed. He said Speed was unsteady on his feet, his breath smelt strongly of liquor and his speech was slurred and hesitant.
After the overturned car was cleared from the roadway, he took the defendant to the police station where Det Clunas questioned him. He told Det. Clunas he very seldom drank beer. When told he would be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, Speed said ” I’m sorry, gentlemen I am not drunk.” Det. Clunas replied: ” You are not being charged with being drunk. You are going to be charged with driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. ” Speed told Clunas, according to Det. North, that he did not see Paff until he was right ” on top of him. ” He also said he did not see the overturned car until he was ” right on top of it “. He said Speed claimed he had been following a taxi that pulled off to the side of the roadway and he thought it was picking up a fare. As he went to go around it, the constable was right in front of him.
Det. North said Speed said he knew the brakes and lights on his car were not ” as good as they should be. ” When asked by the station sergeant, Sgt. Bradley, if he wanted to tie examined by a doctor, Speed replied: ” I’ve had six middies of beer and admit I’m under the influence. It would be no use seeing a doctor. ”
Donald Fraser, foreman motor mechanic, of Douglas Road, Fernhill, said he tested the brakes of Speed‘s car on the day after the accident. The footbrake was in a bad condition and due to the battery being low, the headlights were dull. The speedometer was not registering correctly, being 2 m.p.h. fast.
Witness admitted to Mr. McInerney that the battery could have lost a lot of its efficiency overnight.
Constable Raymond James Paff said that he was in uniform on the night of the accident. He was directed to go to the scene and direct the traffic. He remembered commencing to do this.
He was injured, but did not remember how he received his injuries. He had been off duty ever since. He still suffered from ” double vision.” He remembered the arrival on the scene of Constable Millar.
Constable John Blair Millar said that when he arrived, Detective North and Const. Paff were there. There was a car lying on its side on the eastern side of the road. Constable Paff went to the centre of the road and started to direct the traffic with a torch. He saw a car strike Paff and throw him onto the bonnet. Witness said that Speed got out of the car and came over. He admitted he was the driver. Speed smelt strongly of intoxicating liquor and was unsteady on his feet. He said to witness, ” I am sorry, constable ; I didn’t see him.”
At the police station later, witness noticed that Speed‘s eyes were bloodshot and he was holding onto the counter.
Dr. Ian D. Alexander, of Wollongong, said Const Paff was taken to Wollongong Hospital on the night of August 5 last year and, although conscious, he had no recollection of the accident. He had lacerations to the right forehead, multiple lacerations to both hands, the right ear and right knee, swelling of the right eye and bruising of the right forehead. An X-ray showed he had a linear fracture of the right frontal bone of the skull and a probable fracture underneath the right eye. He complained of blurring of the vision, and was discharged as ” quite sound ” six days later. He did not complain of blurred vision when he left.
Const. W. K. Tuchin, of the Scientific Bureau, told of examining the roadway at the scene of the accident two days: later. There were fragments of glass on the edge of the roadway. About 68ft. 6ins. from this point and slightly east of the centre line there was what appeared to be blood on the roadway. He also inspected the defendant’s vehicle and saw a new crack in the windshield and a dent in the bonnet.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Monday 23 February 1953, page 8
COULD NOT REMEMBER ANY COLLISION
The driver of a utility who ” could not remember ” having had a collision with a car was fined for negligent driving when he appeared at the Wollongong Court last week.
He was Kenneth Goodman Jones, of 51 Gipps St., Wollongong, for whom Mr. Mclnerney appeared. Constable Paff told the Court that the collision occurred in Corrimal Street, Wollongong, on 19th September last. After receiving a report, the police checked on a motor vehicle number and as a result interviewed Jones, who said he did not remember having been in a collision. When shown a hole in his mudguard, he said to witness, ” That looks like a new one, and I must have hit something.” He also said that when nearing the Harp Hotel, the steering wheel started shaking in his hand, so he gave a stop signal. He had just about pulled up when the shaking stopped, so he got into low gear and drove home very carefully.
To Mr. Mclnerney, witness said Jones was very helpful to the police. The marks on the utility were very minor ones.
Gordon Godfrey McDonald, 6 Matthew Street, Wollongong, said his car was parked in Corrimal Street. After someone had spoken to him, he examined it and found damage to the front bumper bar and wheel. The repairs cost £7/5/0.
James Francis Lear was called as a witness, but did not appear, and when Albert Barnett was was called, Police Prosecutor Sergeant W. J. Smith said he ” had gone home to get a shirt ” so that he might come to Court suitably attired.
Barnett subsequently appeared but by then his services as a police witness were not required.
Defendant Jones, after confirming what he had said to the constable at the time, said he could have hit another vehicle but he did not know that he had done so.
Jones was fined £2/18/0 with 12/- costs and 30/- witness’s expenses:
A charge of failing to stop after an accident was dismissed.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Thursday 12 February 1953, page 21
Two Month’s Gaol
A man who on a previous occasion told the magistrate that he took drugs and alcohol together, with disastrous effect, came before the Wollongong Court on Monday and was sent to gaol for two months for assaulting a constable.
He was Reg Lacey, 32, labourer, of 17 Campbell Street, Woonona, who was alleged to have poked his head into the cabin of a police patrol van and ” booed ” at two constables last Saturday. Lacey was charged with offensive behaviour, resisting arrest, and assaulting a policeman.
Constable R. Paff told the Court that after Lacey had put his head into the police van, which was outside the Commercial Hotel, Wollongong, he stepped back, raised his thumb in a vulgar gesture and then ran down the road.
The two constables who had been in the van chased him and tried to arrest him. Witness said that Lacey struggled wildly and kicked him several times in the stomach and legs. He still struggled when they eventually got him to the police station.
Police Prosecutor, Sergeant W. J. Smith said that Lacey had two previous convictions for similar offences and had been warned that a recurrence would be regarded seriously by the Court.
He had been drinking on Saturday and had provoked some other persons to fight. It took a quarter-hour struggle before he could be placed in the police van.
Lacey was fined £5 on each of the first two charges, in addition to the gaol sentence for assault.
