2013: Inspector Steve Johnson and Acting Shoalhaven Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Paul Condon
2013: POLAIR 3: Senior crew member John Smith, NSW Police Force Inspector Steve Johnson, pilot Allan Gary and assistant crew Kate Howe at the NSW Police Force open day at Nowra Anglican College on Saturday.
2017: Shoalhaven Local Area Command Chief Inspector Steve Johnson with some of the guns surrendered locally during the gun amnesty.
2016: SCRUMPTIOUS DELIGHTS: Shoalhaven LAC Chief Inspector Steve Johnson, Senior Constable Brian Balding and Constable Simon French with some of the delights from Thursday’s morning tea.
2013: POSITIVE POLICING: Local Area Commander Superintendent Joe Cassar and customer service duty officer for Shoalhaven Local Area Command Inspector Steven Johnson encourage the community to compliment a cop.
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Steve was an Inspector & Chief Inspector Stationed at Nowra ( Shoalhaven LAC ) and had been on loan to Lake Illawarra LAC, South Region Office and currently at Bowral LAC due to the current restructure of the NSW Police Force.
[blockquote]
No matter your sex,
No matter your age,
No matter your rank,
Suicide just does not discriminate.
Cal
[/blockquote]
May you forever Rest In Peace mate.
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Steven Johnson
22nd May 2018
At Home
Late of Cambewarra
Formerly of North Nowra and Orient Point
Beloved soulmate and best friend of Sue
Adored Dad of Flynn (Squishy) and Molly (Pickle)
Sadly missed son and son-in-law of John & Carol, Barry & Judy Turner
Much loved brother, brother-in-law and Uncle
The Shoalhaven will be so much poorer for the loss of this incredible, community man
Aged 47 years
Jonno’s funeral service will be held at
The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
on Wednesday 30th May 2018 at 11:00am
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made at the service for Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Network
Jonno’s family invite you to join them for some light refreshments after the service, in the function room at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
Steve was always there for his work colleagues and community alike. He was also an active member and part of the Camp Quality family who was loved by all the companions and campers.
An avid fisherman, Steve often took his mates and kids out fishing.
Chief Inspector Johnson … a True Gentleman and Humanitarian. You will be missed. Thank you for your service. Rest easy Sir.
Koz
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Death of former Illawarra police officer Steven ‘Jonno’ Johnson shocks community
Cydonee Mardon
The Illawarra police community is mourning the sudden loss of a well-loved and respected senior community-based cop.
Chief Inspector Steven “Jonno” Johnson, formerly of Lake Illawarra and the Shoalhaven commands died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
“Jonno will be very much missed by everyone he knew,” a long-time colleague told the Mercury.
“He was one of those quirky people who would always put a smile on your face by one of his many stories or passions that he was involved with,” the police officer said.
“I don’t think people realise the amount of work he did for the Aboriginal community, for conservation with his fishing and general community causes. He had a strong passion for fishing and if anyone showed a slight inkling of interest he would have them straight on his boat and take them out.
“Jonno was one of those people who got more satisfaction from doing things for others than for himself.”
Tributes are flowing on Facebook for the 47-year-old officer being remembered “as a legendary and inspirational man”.
Senior Constable Koz Ismail, who worked with Jonno at Lake Illawarra and has produced a video tribute, said his colleague was “a man of endless empathy”.
( see video above )
“He worked for the community, he was an endless supporter of the youth and indigenous youth.
“He was passionate to the case of youth mental health, always put the community and his peers first before himself.
“He was a loving family man, a selfless community man and police officer.”
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 August 1997
Born: 14 August 1951
Died on: Wednesday 9 May 2018 just after 9pm
Age: 66
Cause: Cancer
Event location: Mercy Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, Albury
Event date: Wednesday 9 May 2018
Funeral date: Wednesday 16 May 2018 @ 11am
Funeral location: Lester & Son Funeral Home, 359 Wantigong St, North Albury
Funeral Parlour: Lester & Son Funeral Home, North Albury
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
Sharon & Desmond Bruce RESTALL
1991 Australian Police Indoor Cricket Titles, Tasmania. NSW Masters squad. Some legends among us here…! REAR ROW ( L – R ) ?, Graham STEVENS, ?, ?, ? FRONT ROW ( L – R ) ?, Des RESTALL, Bob GARE ( RIP ), Kevin PIPER, ? Although these fellows are in the photo – I don’t know who is who Lester ROBEY, Paul GRECH, Graham STOCKWELL, Graeme PARKER, ‘SULLY‘
DESMOND is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Mercy Palliative Care Unit.
Beloved son of William (dec) and Merle.
Brother of Ray (dec), Lyndelle and Noel.
Loving husband and best friend of Sharon.
Loving father and father in law to Lisa, Luke and Nicole, Mikaela and Koden.
Loving poppy to Daveida, Caresse, Georgie, Darcy, Macauley and Leo.
Rest in Peace.
May 14, 2018
To Sharon and the extended Restall families,
Our Deepest Sympathies on the passing of Des, fond memories of our cricketing days at New City. He was one of nature’s gentlemen.
Our thoughts are with you all.
– Ozzie and Di
Allan & Diane Ingrey,
Lavington, New South Wales
May 14, 2018
Desmond Restall, deepest sympathies to his wife Sharon and the Restall family.
Des was a member of long standing, past committee member and player at the squash club.
Always a good sport, Des was quick with either a drink or a joke, never taking things too seriously. His energy and drive will be greatly missed.
From the President, on behalf of the SS&A Squash & Racquetball Club members.
May 14, 2018
To Sharon and Family, Deepest sympathy, thinking of you all at this time. A very sad loss of a good mate, all the better for knowing Des.
Ken & Paula Zegiel
May 14, 2018
To Sharon and Family, Our Deepest sympathy, thinking of you all. A very sad loss of a good mate, all the better for knowing Des.
Ken & Paula Zegiel
May 14, 2018
Restall Desmond,
To Sharon, Lisa, Luke, Mikaela and Families.
Deepest Sympathy to you all. It was a pleasure to know Des for many years. What memories we have of the years we worked together at the P C Y C and the netball trips driving the bus to city and country netball carnivals.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Yvonne Jacob and Family
May 13, 2018
Will miss you at the footy always a great judge of fine footy and a dedicated man to the job
Paul Leddy,
Albury
May 15, 2018
Restall Des
Deepest sympathy to Sharon and family.
Des was a member of the New South Wales Police Force for over 35 years.
His service to the people of New South Wales was exemplary.
Chairman and Members of the Murray River Retired Police Association.
“We will remember them”
May 15, 2018
Restall Desmond
With great sorrow in our hearts our thoughts turn to Sharon and her family at the loss of Des.
A remarkable man, husband, father and pop.
He will be greatly missed
from Sharon’s work colleagues
JLT family.
May 14, 2018
Restall Desmond Bruce (Des)
Deepest sympathy to Sharon and family.
Des was a respected and valued workmate. With his dry sense of humour and he was always up for spoiling us with morning tea.
Des will be sadly missed by all of his colleagues at Patton Albury.
Published in: The Border Mail
May 12, 2018
Restall Des
Deepest sympathy to Luke and Des’s extended families on the passing Des.
Des was a fantastic supporter, past committee member, specialist coach and mentor at SPCC.
From the President, Committee Players and supporters of St. Patrick’s Cricket Club.
Family and friends of the late Desmond Bruce Restall are invited to attend the celebration of his life which will be held at the Evergreen Chapel, Lester and Son Funeral Home, Cnr of Mate and Wantigong Streets, North Albury on Wednesday 16 May 2018 commencing at 11.00am.
Private cremation
Place your tributes at lesterandson.com.au Published in The Border Mail on May 12, 2018
Restall Family May 11, 2018
RESTALL, Desmond Bruce14/8/1951-9/5/2018Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Mercy Palliative Care Unit. Beloved son of William (dec) and Merle. Brother of Ray (dec), Lyndelle and Noel. Loving husband and best friend of Sharon. Loving father and father in law to Lisa, Luke and Nicole, Mikaela and Koden. Loving poppy to Daveida, Caresse, Georgie, Darcy, Macauley and Leo.Rest in Peace.
Marie zagrovicMay 12, 2018
Deepest sympathy to Sharon, Mikaela and family on the loss of Des so sorry to hear the sad news.
Thinking of you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.
Anna SutcliffMay 12, 2018
To Dear Sharon, Mikaela, Luke, Lisa and family,
Thinking of you in this sad time. Your father will be greatly missed.
Lots of love, Auntie Anna, Allan, Luke and Thomas
Heather WardMay 13, 2018
Our love to Sharon and family
Till we meet again Des Love Heather, Garry, Tona, Tilly and Sianna xxxx
Robyn MathewMay 15, 2018
Dear Sharon, Mikaela, Lisa, Luke and familyThinking of you allLots of LoveRobyn and Bruce Mathew and family
Constable William Eiffe memorial unveiled by Oxley police at Bendemeer Cemetery
Breanna Chillingworth
A PERMANENT memorial to recognise a fallen officer has been unveiled near Tamworth on the 150th anniversary of his death.
Constable William Eiffe died from a gunshot wound to the thigh on January 24, 1867, and is buried in an unmarked grave in the Bendemeer cemetery.
Oxley police together with Tamworth Regional Council – who helped to construct the memorial – commemorated his career in the force in a service on Tuesday morning.
”It’s a great part of the local history to have this recorded and I think it brings some interest in the local cemetery and the history of Bendemeer,” Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd said.
“And, hopefully for centuries to come, people will be able to come here and look at this and remember what has happened in our past.”
The Singleton-based officer was on a police escort on the night before his death when he was accidentally shot in the leg.
“On the evening of Wednesday the 23rd of January, 1867, there was a gold escort moving through the Moonbi Ranges, approximately seven miles from Bendemeer,” Oxley Sergeant Josh McKenzie said.
“A rain show had caused members of the escort to retreat into the carriage, another member of the escort had handed his rifle to Constable Eiffe, he rested the rifle across his thighs with the butt resting against the side of the coach.
“It is thought that the shaking and bouncing of the carriage has caused the rifle to accidentally discharge, shooting Constable Eiffe in the thigh.”
Constable Eiffe was left at Shepherds Hut nearby and the coach returned to Tamworth.
Memorial service: Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd lays a wreath at the unveiling of the plaque at the Bendemeer cemetery. Photos: Breanna Chillingworth Memorial unveiled: Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd with Sergeant Josh McKenzie in Bendemeer.
Memorial service: Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd lays a wreath at the unveiling of the plaque at the Bendemeer cemetery. Photos: Breanna Chillingworth Memorial unveiled: Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd with Sergeant Josh McKenzie in Bendemeer.
Paying tribute: Senior Oxley police, along with officers from Kootingal, Walcha, Nowendoc and Tamworth, pictured with Tamworth councillor Phil Betts.
Memorial unveiled: Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd with Leading Senior Constable Ron Stoltenberg and Cr Phil Betts.
William EIFFE Memorial William is actually buried in an unmarked grave.
“Dr Scott of Tamworth was taken to the hut but unfortunately Constable William EIFFE died from the effects of the gunshot wound at noon on the 24th of January, 1867.”
Acting Superintendent Budd said the service was a reminder of how far the force had come in 150 years.
It is thought that the shaking and bouncing of the carriage has caused the rifle to accidentally discharge.
Sergeant Josh McKenzie
“One of the things that would be a tragedy today is for this to occur and his family to not be supported,” he said. “In the days of Constable William Eiffe, his wife and four children would have been destitute without the support we have today and we should be grateful for that.”
Of Note: Searching NSW State Archives & Records on 14 May 2018:
There are NO surnames of FYFFE
There are NO surnames of EFFE
There are NO surnames of EIFFE
There were no Williams born in 1834
There is no Registered number 1154 on that website. There is 1153 ( Beatty ) and 1155 ( Moloney ) but no 1154
A wildcard search on ‘FFE‘ didn’t reveal any similar names or anyone born in 1834 on THAT website.
Danny Webster notes on 24 January 2017:
He is sometimes referred to as “Fyffe” and “Effe”, however the Registers of Police Employment 1847–1885 provides the spelling as “Eiffe”, his registered number as 1154, the fact that he was married at the time of appointment and that he was a former soldier.
The New South Wales Police Gazettes of 5 March, 1862, 3 April, 1867 (£100 gratuity awarded to his wife), and 3 July, 1867 indicate “Eiffe”.
His death was registered at Armidale as “Eiffe”.
He is incorrectly listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll as William “Effe”.
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This was originally recorded as:
Constable William FYFFE
Accidentally Shot
Tamworth
24 January, 1867
On 16 January, 1867 Constable Fyffe was performing gold escort duty on a coach travelling between Bendemeer and Tamworth. It is thought that the shaking of the coach caused a rifle to accidentally discharge, shooting the constable. The wounded constable was left in a shepherd’s hut while the coach continued to Tamworth to obtain medical assistance. Dr Scott of Tamworth provided assistance for the constable, however the wound was to prove fatal and he died the following Thursday. He is sometimes referred to as William Effe.
The Sydney Morning Herald dated 25 January, 1867 reported that news from Tamworth had been received that ” Last evening, Constable Fyffe, on gold escort duty, was accidentally shot in the thigh whilst riding in the coach on Moonby Ranges, seven miles from Bendemere. His rifle accidentally discharged, it is supposed, by the shaking of the coach. He was left at a shepherd’s hut. The escort proceeded to Tamworth, and on its arrival there Dr. Scott was immediately started off. Fyffe died from the effects of the wound at noon today. He has left a wife and large family at Singleton.
The constable was born in 1834 and joined the police force on 11 August, 1857. In 1862 he became a member of the newly-formed New South Wales Police Force. At the time of his death he was stationed at Singleton.
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Raymond Neville MORRIS
| 22/05/2018
Raymond Neville MORRIS
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9517[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 2 November 1959
Constable 1st Class – appointed 2 November 1965
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 10 May 1975
Stations: ?, Western District, Springwood – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre November 1959 to 11 July 1981= 21years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 11 April 1935
Died on: Tuesday 24 April 2018
Age: 83
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 4 May 2018 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Penhall Funerals, 33 William St, Orange, NSW
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]RAYMOND is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Jack suffered a sudden and unexpected heart attack.
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Further information to be added.
Cal
070518
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Sidney Francis AXAM
| 22/05/2018
Sidney Francis AXAM
Late of Kiama
AKA Slippery, Sid
“possibly” Academy Class # 88
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9931[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 27 February 1961
Was a Detective, or at least a Plain Cloths Constable, in December 1963
Constable 1st Class – appointed 27 February 1967
Detective Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 22 May 1977 ( still appeared in the 1979 Stud Book as Sgt 3/c )
Detective
Final Rank – ?
Stations: ?, Central – 1 Division ( – 1978 – Detectives ), Darlinghurst – 3 Division ( 1978 – 81 – from Plain Cloths to Uniform GD’s ), Manly, Dee Why,
Service: From? ? pre February 1961 to? ? ? ( Resigned ) = ? years Service
After his Resignation, Sid worked as an Ordinance Officer with Shellharbour Council for many years
Awards: National Medal – granted 11 December 1980 ( Det Sgt )
National Police Service Medal – presented 6 September 2016
Born: 6 October 1938
Died on: Sunday 6 May 2018
Age: 79
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 11 May 2018 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Stan Crapp Funerals, 125 Manning St, Kiama
Funeral Parlour: Stan Crapp Funerals, Kiama
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Sid AXAM receiving his National Police Service Medal at Retired Police Day – Lake Illawarra Police Station on 8 September 2016 by acting Local Area Commander, Supt. Zoran Dzevlan.
Sid at the Jamberoo 2017 ANZAC day march
Sid at the 2017 Kiama ANZAC ceremony
Sid AXAM at the 100 years of ANZAC ceremony at Kiama – 2015
[alert_yellow]SID is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Sid was a Detective with Detective Norman SHEATHER ( NSWPF # 6006 ) and they both worked on the Shooting death of Constable Cyril HOWE at Oaklands on 20 December 1963.
It is said that in 1978 Sid, and Detective Joe PARRINGTON ( “possibly” F.J. Parrington # 6880 ) were the only detectives left who still wore fedoras.
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David J. BARNETT
| 22/05/2018
David J. BARNETT
Late of ?
Academy Class # 120
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 13831
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 15 September 1969
Senior Constable – appointed 15 September 1978
Sergeant – appointed 8 March 1986
Stations: ?, Det SenCon,
Service: From? ? pre September 1969? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Much loved father and father-in-law of Greg (dec’d) and Ruth, Doug and Libby.
Loved and adored ‘Da’ to his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Cherished brother, brother-in-law and uncle of the Gill, McGuire, and Hogan families.
The Family & Friends of Walter are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of His Life to be held in The Chapel, of Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Cessnock Rd, Ryhope TOMORROW Thursday 3rd May, 2018, service commencing at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers and In Memory of Walter, donations to ‘HMRI – Cancer Research‘ may be made at the service.
‘Forever In Our Hearts’
Published in The Newcastle Herald on May 2, 2018
Nothing further, at this time, is known about this man and his career with NSWPF.
Cal
020518
Betty GILL
GILL (Nee: McGuire) Betty
Late of Blackalls Park
Passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family 2nd September, 2019
Aged 92 Years
Dearly loved wife of The Late Wal Gill.
Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Greg (dec’d) & Ruth, Doug and Libby.
Loved & adored Nan of Her grandchildren, great grandchildren & great great grandchildren.
A loved sister, sister-in-law and aunt of the Gill, McGuire and Hogan families.
The family and friends of Betty are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of Her Life to be held in The Chapel of Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Cessnock Rd, Ryhope this Friday 6th September, 2019 service commencing at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers and In Memory of Betty, donations to ‘HMRI-Brain & Mental Health’ may be made at the service.
‘Together Again’Published in The Newcastle Herald from Sep. 4 to Sep. 5, 2019.
Strike Force Sari headed up the investigation into this murder.
Class 206A
AAP General News (Australia) 08-30-2000 NSW: Man charged with murder of former police officer.
A court’s been told a former Sydney policeman whose body was found dumped in a river was killed to stop him earning a share of a lucrative Olympic-related security contract.
GRAEME ADAMS’ business partner, 29-year-old SIMON CHRISTOPHER CROWTHER-WILKINSON, was charged with his murder this morning.
According to police facts tendered to Manly Court, Mr ADAMS was a silent stakeholder in CROWTHER-WILKINSON’S firm Excell Security Pty Ltd.
The company had recently won a $1.6 million contract to supply staff to security giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb Security Australia.
But police allege that rather than share the proceeds, CROWTHER-WILKINSON and another associate shot and killed Mr ADAMS, wrapped him in chains and dumped him in the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney, on June 6 or 7.
The accused man has been refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court on September 6.
08-30-2000 NSW: Ex policeman murdered over Oly security contract, court told
By John Kidman, Crime Reporter
SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP – A former Sydney policeman whose chained body was found dumped in a river had been shot in cold blood over a lucrative Olympic-related security contract,
a court was told today.
Detectives allege the two men charged with the slaying stood to gain his share of a $1.6 million personnel deal struck with industry giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb Security Australia.
The killing had “all the hallmarks of an execution-style murder”, according to a statement of police facts tendered in Sydney’s Manly Local Court.
“There is evidence of premeditated and deliberate planning well prior to the event,” the document read.
Mr Adams’ business partner, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson and another of his associates, private security agent James Cowie, were arrested by strike force police early today following a high-profile investigation.
Mr Adams, a one-time police prosecutor who left the force to start his own companynine years ago, was pulled out of the Hawkesbury River off Dangar Island, to Sydney’s
north, by a local fisherman on July 12.
An autopsy revealed he had been shot in the back of the head from close range.
He was also wrapped in a 135 kilogram length of chain.
It was initially believed Mr Adams had last been seen alive by Crowther-Wilkinson at 10pm on June 6 after they dined at Antos Pizzeria and Pasta in suburban Chatswood.
However, it is now alleged that the version of events was a smokescreen to divert suspicion.
According to receipt records, the accused man bought cigarettes and drinks at a Chatswood service station at 9.25pm the same night.
Neither the owner nor staff of the pizza parlour were able to place the men at the eatery, police allege.
According to the fact sheet, mobile phone checks also revealed both Crowther-Wilkinson and Cowie made or received calls near Dangar island on the night of the murder.
Crowther-Wilkinson denied ever having been to the area or having access to or owning a boat, it said.
Despite this, detectives alleged evidence would show he was in possession of an aluminium runabout at the time of the homicide.
It was also claimed Crowther-Wilkinson bought 15m of chain and a number of metal clamps like those found on Mr Adams’ body at a Brookvale hardware shop a week before the murder.
“Direct lies and inconsistencies exist in the versions of (both) Wilkinson and Cowie,”the facts stated.
Mr Adams had been a silent 51 per cent partner in Excell Security with Crowther-Wilkinson until his death but took little part in the company’s day-to-day business.
In the weeks before his death, he allegedly tried to gain financial records which showed he may not have been receiving his due profit share.
Police allege he expressed concerns over the matter to his accountant.
By contrast, Crowther-Wilkinson is said to have told an Excell employee that “he did not want to give up any profits made through his Olympic contract”.
Both accused men were today refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court next month.
A week before his disappearance in 2000, murder victim Graeme Adams told his accountant he was afraid of former associates in the security company Blue Falcon Agency and thought he was being followed, the Supreme Court heard yesterday.
Accountant Eric de Haarte said Mr Adams had formed another company, Excell Security, after leaving Blue Falcon and had told him he had ”sort of tricked” Blue Falcon by taking their database of contacts for security guards.
Mr Adams had expressed apprehension about two principals in Blue Falcon, Peter Murrant ( # 22195 ) and Andrew King.
Mr Murrant, who had been a serving police officer at the time he was a principal of Blue Falcon, had been investigated by the Police Integrity Commission and had later been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to periodic detention.
”He told me he thought his former partners [Mr Murrant and Mr King] considered him a snitch,” Mr de Haarte said.
Mr Adams disappeared on June 6, 2000. His body was recovered, weighed down by chains, in the Hawkesbury River near Dangar Island on July 12 that year.
A partner of Mr Adams in Excell Security, Simon Christopher Crowther-Wilkinson (referred to in court as Wilkinson), was later charged with Mr Adams‘s murder. Wilkinson is now on trial before Justice Virginia Bell.
Questioned by Paul Byrne, SC, for Wilkinson, Mr de Haarte said Mr Adams had indicated that he wanted his involvement in Excell Security to be kept ”more or less secret” so that he was ”essentially invisible”.
Mr Adams had a 51 per cent shareholding in Excell Security but Wilkinson, with 49 per cent, did the day-to-day work.
Janelle Johnson, a girlfriend of Mr Adams at the time of his disappearance, said in evidence that according to what Mr Adams had told her, Blue Falcon went broke in June 1999 and Mr Adams himself was in debt as a result. He had blamed Mr Murrant and Mr King for ”taking money on the side”.
Ms Johnson said that four or five weeks before he disappeared, Mr Adams had made no attempt to discover the financial position of Excell Security though he had concerns about it.
On 28 March 2003 the appellant, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson, was sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years with a non-parole period of 15 years for murder. His co-accused, James Cowie was found not guilty. He appeals against this conviction but not against the sentence.
The appellant had been a silent partner in a partnership with the deceased in a security company, Excell Security Pty Limited (“Excell”). The deceased’s body was found floating in the Hawkesbury River wrapped in plastic, metal 3/8 inch steel galvanised chains and 12 mm D-shackles. The Crown case was that he had been shot once in the back of the head, consistent with a .22 calibre bullet having been fired by either the appellant or James Cowie, with the other present and assisting or encouraging the killer. The deceased’s body had then been transported to the Hawkesbury River and dumped from a small aluminium boat.
