any Future Wake location: Guildford Leagues Club, NSW
any Future Wake date: Monday 24 May 2021
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2021 )
COLIN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cal
21 May 2021
Updated 26 May 2021
Robert John BUSBRIDGE
| 21/05/2021
Robert John BUSBRIDGE
AKA BUZZA
Late of ?
Brother to Jim Walker, NSWPF # ?????
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 110
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 12419
Service: From 20 February 1967 to? ? ? = 20+? years Service? ? ?
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 20 February 1967 ( aged 19 years, 2 months, 1 day )
Probationary Constable- appointed 3 April 1967 ( aged 19 years, 3 months, 15 days )
Constable – appointed 3 April 1968
Constable 1st Class – appointed 3 April 1972
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 3 April 1976
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 January 1983 ( appears in the 1985 Stud Book but not the 1988 issue )
Prior to joining the NSWPF, Robert was “possibly” employed by the Department of Customs and Excise and a Clerical Assistant, Grade 1, Fourth Division in February 1965.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cal
9 May 2021
Frederick Keith WHITTON
| 21/05/2021
Frederick Keith WHITTON
AKA ?
Late of Fairfield, NSW
” possibly ” related to M.E. WHITTON, NSWPF # 16157 ?
W.K. WHITTON, NSWPF # 23970 ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 101A
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11266
Service: From Monday 2 November 1964 to 7 April 1994 ( Optional Retirement ) = 29 years, 5 months, 5 days Service
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 2 November 1964 ( aged 25 years, 6 months, 26 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 4 December 1964 ( aged 25 years, 7 months, 27 days )
Constable – appointed 2 November 1965
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 2 November 1973
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 December 1980
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 3 June 1987 ( Seniority date = 24 December 1986 )
Final Rank = Sergeant 2nd Class – Optional Retirement
Stations: ?, Mounted Unit – Redfern Police Academy?, Green Valley – Call Box ( 22 Division )( 1971 – 1985 ), Liverpool ( 22 Division ), ?, City of Sydney – Optional Retirement
Retirement / Leaving age: = 55 years, 0 months, 0 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 27 years, 8 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 March 1981 ( SenCon )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 October 1991 ( SenCon )
Commendation for Good Team work and tenacity during a high speed chase in the Liverpool area resulting in the arrest of an offender charged with robbery whilst armed in July 1969.
Commended with Inspector 1/c Alfred ‘Tom’ RANGOTT, SenCon L. HUNTINGTON, Cst 1/c B. BANISTER, Cst F. K. WHITTON & ProCst G. WHITE.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2021 )
From Stephen Reeves 20 April 2021 The funeral of Bulls Life Member, Player and Coach Sgt 2nd Class Fred Whitton was very well attended this morning. Family, friends, colleagues and Macarthur Bulls gathered at the Chapel. Such was the large crowd many had to sit outside as all paid their respects to Mrs Joyce Whitton and their daughter Robyn. Mourners travelled from far and wide to be there. Fred enjoyed a good life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who worked hard within the community as a dedicated Police Officer. Local Police formed a guard of honour as his family entered the Chapel. I was given the privilege to say a few words on behalf of Freds Colleagues and the Macarthur Bulls. I read from a letter written by Bulls Life Member Alan Stephens who was unable to attend due to a severe chest infection. I also spoke about Fred’s positive influence on many young officers who worked under his supervision. I recorded the names of those who could not make it to the ceremony. Afterwards we met at Freds former watering hole for refreshments and a bite to eat. I am sure stories about the life and times of Frederick Keith Whitton will ring out late into the night. RIP our brother.
FRED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Thank you Rod Sheraton for passing on my message. As you know I have been chatting with Freds wife Joyce.
Fred won the Best and Fairest with the Bulls in the early years.
Sadly both of his sons Warwick and Perry passed away many years ago.
His daughter Robyn has been a rock in their family.
Fred joined the Cops as a Mounted Police Officer at the Redfern Academy before being transferred to GDs at 22 Division, settling in at Green Valley.
He was a keen fisherman and loved taking mates outside on his boat.
I remember in the 70s we went fishing down south. We saw a buoy and I pulled up a trap that felt like it was full of cement. I finally got it on board and it contained the biggest lobster known to man.
We made a deal that he would have Joyce cook it and we would share the bounty.
Not long after this we went to Fred’s for Robyns 21st birthday. I asked about the lobster he said he would go inside and get it.
I was looking forward to a good feed.
Well he came back with the bleached shell!! and said it was the best lobster he had ever eaten.
At least I had the chance to see its red shell.
Yes it was a great 21st with all the Valley boys present. We drank the place dry.
I think I played a game with Fred in 1972. Tough man.
Plenty of good times with Fred and the boys at the Valley when there were 7 of us stationed there just across from the Valley Pub..
God bless you mate.
RIP.
Wok.
PS If anyone had Roger Fords, Neil Foremans or Errol Montefiores details please let them know.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2021 )
DAVID is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
DEADLY CRASH A former NSW Police officer was killed in a motorbike crash this week. David John MAINSBRIDGE, who resigned from the force in the face of intimidation and assault charges, died in the motorbike versus car smash on the M7 at Eastern Creek on Friday. The driver of the car was uninjured. The fatality came less than two weeks out from the retired senior constable having to front court for the domestic violence case that cost him his career. He was due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on April 21. The former Traffic and Highway Patrol officer was also charged in 2019 with unlawfully accessing the police records system a year earlier.
Mount Druitt Police Area Command
10 April 2021 @ 9.55am
A man has died following a two-vehicle crash at Eastern Creek this afternoon.
Just after 1pm today (Friday 9 April 2021), emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M7 near the Light Horse Interchange, Eastern Creek, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.
The rider of a motorcycle, a man, believed to be aged in his 60’s – died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver of the second vehicle has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Mount Druitt Police Area Command established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As investigations continue, the south-bound lanes of the M7 Motorway have been closed. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
https://www.facebook.com/MtDruittPAC/
April 9, 2021 4:05 pm AEST
Motorcyclist dies after crash
A man has died following a two-vehicle crash at Eastern Creek this afternoon.
Just after 1pm today (Friday 9 April 2021), emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M7 near the Light Horse Interchange, Eastern Creek, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.
The rider of a motorcycle, a man, believed to be aged in his 60’s – died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver of the second vehicle has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Mount Druitt Police Area Command established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As investigations continue, the south-bound lanes of the M7 Motorway have been closed. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
For the latest traffic updates, go to livetraffic.com.au
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
A NSW police officer has faced court accused of multiple domestic violence offences including unlawfully using a police database.
Senior Constable David John Mainsbridge, 60, faced Maitland Local Court on Wednesday on 10 charges, including three assaults that caused actual bodily harm and three instances of intimidation.
The officer, who is attached to the traffic and highway patrol command, is also accused of unlawfully accessing the police records system in May 2018.
No plea was entered and the matter was adjourned to November 14 at Newcastle Local Court.
Mainsbridge remains on conditional bail preventing him from approaching his alleged victims.
NSW Police say the officer’s employment is under review pending the case’s outcome.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
INSCRIPTION: In Loving Remembrance of my dear husband William SUTHERLAND who died 29th July 1901 Aged 47 years Father is gone but not forgotten Nor is the good advise he gave Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger Round our darling father’s grave. Also our dear Mother Isabella SUTHERLAND wife of the above who died 12th November 1910 aged 52? years Sadly missed As long as life and memory last We will remember thee.
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2021 )
WILLIAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
The death of Senior-constable William Sutherland, of the Glebe Police Station, on Monday, recalls the tragic death of his brother, also a constable, in June, 1889.
He was on duty at Macleay-street, Potts Point, when he saw a man jump over the fence of Mr. Bundle’s residence, Pomeroy.
He challenged him ; a scuffle ensued, and Sutherland was mortally wounded with a revolver shot.
A Victorian criminal, James Morrison, was executed for the murder.
Mrs. SUTHERLAND and FAMILY wish to return their THANKS to the police and friends who sent wreaths, and also the friends who attended the funeral of her late beloved husband, Senior-constable Sutherland.
Senior-constable Sutherland, attached to No. 2 police division, died in Sydney on Monday.
The deceased, who was about 45 years of age, had been in the police force of the State for about 19 years, having joined the service in New South Wales after having spent several years in the New Zealand force.
A few years back he was struck on the head while engaged in making an arrest in Sydney, but he seemed to get well, and very little notice was taken of the blow.
Apparently a clot had gradually formed in the head.
Sutherland went off duty some 13 months ago, and although his case had the best medical attention he gradually wasted away and expired.
The remains of the late Senior-constable Sutherland were interred at Rookwood Cemetery yesterday afternoon, in the presence of a number of officers and men of the police force and many other personal friends.
The proceedings commenced with a short service in the house, conducted by the Rev. T. E. Clouston, after which the coffin was conveyed by train to the Necropolis.
The procession to the grave was headed by the New South Wales Police Band, led by senior-constable Mankey, which played the Dead March in “Saul” with muffled drums.
The coffin was carried by four constables, and was covered with wreaths, many being carried also by relatives and friends.
Among those sending them were the deceased’s children. Inspector and Mrs.Sutherland, Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland ( Croydon Park ), the non-commissioned officers and men of Glebe police station and those of No. 2 station, Mr. E. Miller, Mr. Smithson and family, and Messrs. and Mesdames Bannerman, Wagner, H. P. Stewart, Gibbons, and W. MacQueen.
The police force was represented by Inspector Sutherland, Sub-inspector Mitchell, Sergeants Thompson, Smith, Miller, Grice, Taylor, Curtis, Bradley, and O’Dea, and a large number of senior and first-class constables.
No. 8 Lodge. P.A.F.S.A. and six of its officers, the members being unable to muster and follow in full force.
There were also present, among intimate friends and neighbors, Messrs. Anderson, Field, Smithson, Blackman, Bannerman, Sutherland, Kuse (2), Grayson, Holes, Edwards, and Malling. Masters Thorpe and Vaughan, and Mesdames Wagner and Bowyer.
The service was conducted by the Rev. T. E. Clouston, who after reading the ordinary burial service delivered a short address, in which he highly eulogised the deceased.
The band, as a finale, played Chopin’s “Funeral March,” the assemblage remaining bareheaded till its conclusion.
Senior-constable William Sutherland, who for the past nineteen years has been connected with the police in No. 2 division, at the Glebe, died yesterday at his residence in Talfourd street, Glebe.
The deceased was about 45 years of age, and leaves a widow and family.
He had been ill for about fifteen months, and had been off duty for that time.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon, at Rookwood.
William Thompson, 28 a dealer, was at the Central Police Court yesterday sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour for having assaulted Constable William Sutherland.
The assault was committed whilst the constable was in the act of conducting the accused to the police station.
The inquest on the body of Constable David Sutherland, who was shot by a burglar at Potts Point, was commenced yesterday afternoon.
The prisoner, James Morrison, was in custody, handcuffed.
There was a crowded court.
Morrison is a powerful fellow, 28 years of age, and the mark of a heavy blow over the left eye is still visible.
Constable William Sutherland identified the body as that of his cousin. He was a native of Canterbury, New Zealand. He was a single man. His mother, three sisters, and four brothers were living there.
Medical evidence showed that the bullet severed the main artery of the groin.
Benjamin Backhouse, architect, residing at Potts Point, deposed that he was awakened by the reports of a shot. On hearing the second shot, he also heard cries for help. He then saw a man running away. The man was of similar appearance as prisoner. A fence over which the man scrambled was examined afterwards and showed blood marks.
Further evidence similar to that reported already was also given.
The inquiry is still proceeding.
Melbourne, Wednesday.
The Melbourne police have identified the photograph of James Morrison, who is charged with the murder of Constable Sutherland, as that of a man known to them as Jackson, who has recently done two and a half-years in Victoria for an impudent forgery.
Senior-constable Thomas Grice and Constable William Sutherland were summoned in the Central Police Court this morning charged with assaulting John Brunty on the night of the 12th instant.
Plaintiff swore that he was leaving his brother’s public-house on the night in question, when defendant Grice stopped him, and asked what he had under his arm.
The two defendants then seized both his arms, and beat them behind his back, in consequence of which he has not been able to work since.
William Brunty, brother of plaintiff, Patrick Smith, Mrs. Brunty, wife of William Brunty, gave corroborative evidence.
For the defence Thomas Grice, senior-constable of police, stated that on the night in question he, in company with Constable Sutherland, was on duty at the back of the Lady of the Lake Hotel, and met the plaintiff.
Defendant took hold of his arm, and asked him to hand out what he had under his coat, and did not hurt him.
Witness was severely cross-examined by Mr. Levien.
William Sutherland and Mr. F. Wilkinson gave evidence as to the zeal and good conduct of the defendants.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cal
14 April 2021
John Kevin BOURKE
| 21/05/2021
John Kevin BOURKE APM
AKA ?
Late of Crescent Head, NSW & Cedar Place Aged Care, Kempsey, NSW
NSW Police Training College – Penrith Class # 039
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 6837
Service: From 4 September 1950 to18 February 1989 = 38 years, 5 months, 14 days Service
Rank: Commenced Training as Trainee at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 4 September 1950
Probationary Constable- appointed 23 October 1950 ( aged 21 years, 8 months, 3 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 July 1967
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 May 1974
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 1 December 1977
Inspector – appointed 6 November 1982
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Inspector
Competed in the Commonwealth Games – Wrestling, Diving 10mtr Platform ( 1950 )( 5th position ), Water Polo – Mens – ( 1950 )( Gold )
Stations: ?, Traffic Branch – Redfern, Darlinghurst, North Sydney, Katoomba, CIB – North Sydney, Penrith Training College, Redfern Police Academy – Training Detectives & Cadets, Internal Affairs ( Secondment ), Senior NCO – Taree, Police Academy – Goulburn – Retirement
Retirement / Leaving age: = 59 years, 11 months, 29 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 31 years, 11 months, 29 days
Awards: Police Service & Good Conduct Medal – granted 7 November 1974
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ROBERT B WALKER FUNERALS Kempsey,
South West Rocks & Districts
Ph 6562 4329
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2021 )
JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Constable John BOURKE NSW Police Motor cycle BG-723
Inspector John BOURKE – Goulburn Police Academy
BOURKE, John Kevin
JOHN KEVIN BOURKE APM
Passed away 16th February 2021
Aged 91 years
Late of Crescent Head.
Beloved husband of Lorna.
Loving father and father in law of Robert and Lee, Glenn, Michael (deceased).
Adored Pop of Daniel, Kate, Scott, Hannah, Misheal and to his
great grandchildren Nate and Isobelle.
Relatives and friends of John are invited to his funeral service at the chapel of Walkers Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Frederickton on Monday 22nd February 2021 commencing at 10.00am, then for cremation.
ROBERT B WALKER FUNERALS Kempsey,
South West Rocks & Districts
Ph 6562 4329
This was published 7 years ago
Bent police officer’s pre-emptive strike
The NSW Ombudsman’s investigation into the likely illegal bugging of more than 100 police officers faces one very substantial challenge.
It was called Operation Mascot and it started in January 1999. The ”white knights” of the NSW Police special crime and internal affairs unit (SCIA), along with the NSW Crime Commission, were chasing corrupt NSW police officers.
The ace up their sleeve was a corrupt detective, code named M5.
Worried about being confronted with his own corruption, M5 had made a pre-emptive strike. He voluntarily went to the crime commission in December 1998 and confessed his misdeeds. Early the next year, with SCIA and the commission working hand in glove, he was sent ”under cover” to covertly record his workmates, some of whom were close friends.
Judging by documents obtained by Fairfax Media, Mascot – which ran for more than two years – was not an investigation that built slowly.
Within a few weeks of M5 going to work, Justice Graham Barr of the NSW Supreme Court had approved a listening device warrant that allowed M5 to bug 119 people, almost all of them serving and former police.
An affidavit was presented to Justice Barr giving the reasons the 119 deserved to have their private conversations covertly recorded.
That affidavit has never been made public so what the judge was told is not known.
But one Operation Mascot affidavit has surfaced. It was granted on September 14, 2000, the day before the start of the Sydney Olympics. Justice Virginia Bell of the NSW Supreme Court – who is now a High Court judge – approved a listening device warrant that allowed M5 to bug 114 people. She approved the use of seven listening devices, some to be worn by M5, others to be placed in his house, car and briefcase.
Among those who were to be recorded were some who were corrupt. But dozens of others who M5 was legally allowed to record were honest police such as then Superintendent Nick Kaldas and Superintendent Bob Inkster. Kaldas is now a NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner. Inkster is now, somewhat ironically, a senior member of the NSW Crime Commission which was a key player in trying to bug him more than a decade ago.
According to the warrant approved by Justice Bell, Kaldas and Inkster and the other 112 were suspected of a range of offences – money laundering, conspiracy, tampering with evidence.
Essentially, the accusation was that they were corrupt. The Herald makes no suggestion that either man was, or is, corrupt.
Justice Bell approved the bugging on the basis of a 57-page affidavit from the crime commission.
The Herald has seen a copy of the affidavit. It contains allegations of corruption against many police and is, in parts, quite detailed.
Justice Bell, who had been counsel assisting at the Wood royal commission into the NSW Police five years earlier, was told the affidavit was truthful and accurate.
But an investigation by the Herald has uncovered evidence that parts of the affidavit were either fabricated or wrong.
The documents and the evidence gathered by the Herald suggest that from 1997 to 2001 more than 20 NSW Supreme Court judges were lied to or seriously misled by some officers working within SCIA, which was set up in the 1990s by then commissioner Peter Ryan.
Which brings us to the affidavit of September 14, 2000, specifically paragraph 5.33, which comprises only 13 lines.
Much of the affidavit is taken up with details of conversations between M5 and some corrupt colleagues secretly recorded in police stations such as Manly and at pubs, clubs and farewell functions – often while M5 and his mates were engaged in marathon drinking sessions.
The paragraph reads: “On 10 December, 1999, [M5] unexpectedly met with former NSW Police inspector John Kevin Bourke in The Corso, at Manly. Bourke engaged [M5] in conversation regarding assistant commissioner Clive Small. Bourke used words to the effect, ‘I have the best brief on him’.”
The affidavit says Bourke went on to describe Small’s involvement in the corrupt “release of information” to another police officer which resulted in a drug trafficker escaping conviction.
The affidavit continues: “I suspect Bourke has information or evidence which he believes incriminates assistant commissioner Small.
”I suspect Bourke meant to indicate that he would use that information or evidence to protect himself, if necessary, from investigation or prosecution, or both.”
The Herald has tracked down and spoken with Bourke, who was for many years involved in detective training. He retired in 1989. After being read the allegation about his ”meeting” with the detective known as M5 on The Corso, as detailed in the sworn affidavit, Bourke said: “It is very simple for me to answer, that is all nonsense, poppycock, because it never ever occurred.”
In a subsequent email, Bourke said: “The name [M5] is not significant to me. I can confirm with absolute confidence I have never met any such named person on the Manly Corso at any time in my lifetime.”
He added: “I didn’t like Clive’s haircut and I thought he was a bit self-important. But I admired Clive Small for many reasons. I always found Clive a very trustworthy person in my dealings with him.”
He said the claim in the affidavit that he had the conversation was ”based on a fabrication”.
He said he was prepared to give evidence on oath that this was the case.
Bourke said he had no idea how his name could have been put in an affidavit or on a listening device warrant. He had never been contacted by anyone about the alleged meeting on The Corso or the ”allegations” against Small.
Small had a distinguished career in law enforcement. In the late 1970s, he worked on the Woodward royal commission into drug trafficking and then on a long inquiry into the collapse of the Nugan Hand Bank.
As an inspector, and despite considerable pressure from his superiors, he cleared former NSW Police superintendent Harry Blackburn who had been wrongfully charged with multiple rapes in an inept investigation by NSW Police. A subsequent royal commission into the Blackburn case proved him correct.
In the 1990s he was the commander of the taskforce that led to the conviction of backpacker murderer Ivan Milat. After the Wood royal commission into police corruption in the mid-1990s, he was appointed the head of crime agencies and, as such, was the boss of the major squads such as homicide. He was later chief investigator for the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
When the Herald first showed the affidavit to Small he said there was “something clearly wrong” with the document.
Late last week he told the Herald that to the best of his knowledge he had not seen Bourke since the early 1970s. He said he had never been interviewed or spoken to by anyone about the ”allegation” in the affidavit and had no idea which drug case was being referred to.
He said given Bourke’s categorical denial of the affidavit, “it would appear to me a criminal offence has been committed by one of more people or at a minimum, a serious misconduct”.
He said the allegations about misconduct within SCIA had ”been known to both the government and the opposition for about 10 years”.
“I would seek for the matter to be fully investigated immediately. I don’t want this buried for another two years while the ombudsman investigates.”
The Herald has also obtained NSW Police documents which cast doubt on another claim in the same affidavit presented to Justice Bell: that M5 and other officers ”verballed” or made up admissions by a career criminal, Craig Cant, one of three men charged in 1994 with a violent attempted armed robbery.
On page 7 of the affidavit, it says M5 and another police officer “fabricated an unsigned record of interview with Cant”.
The Herald has obtained a copy of M5’s own record of interview with Cant and the brief of evidence in the case. Cant makes no admission to the crime and, in fact, repeatedly denies knowing anything about it.
When M5 puts a number of allegations to Cant and asks if he has anything to say, Cant repeatedly answers “nothing”.
Asked what he wants to say about phone records which showed a call from a co-offender at 4am at the time and date of the offence, Cant replies: “Nothing. Look I don’t want to be rude but how much longer is this going to take?”
In a second interview, he repeatedly answers “no comment”.
The Herald showed a number of the documents to Small. He said it appeared the police, including M5, had evidence against Cant based on phone and motel records, his credit card and driver’s licence which were all admissible in court.
“In the interviews, Cant’s answers are neutral or denials. I don’t see what the ‘verbal’ could be.”
Charges against all three men eventually fell through because of the alleged police fabrications. One of Cant’s co-accused later went to work for SCIA. He told officers within the unit he and Cant and the other man had indeed committed the crime, which involved breaking into a home at 4am and putting pistols to the heads of a young couple.
How it unfolded
On December 16, 1998, an experienced but troubled NSW detective walked into the offices of the NSW Crime Commission in Kent Street and voluntarily admitted to numerous acts of corruption.
According to documents leaked to Fairfax Media, he was under intense pressure. Some colleagues had come under suspicion and the detective, who became known as M5, feared he was in the firing line.
Drinking heavily, “depressed and anxious”, the documents reveal he said he wanted to “unload”. He admitted to corruption going back to the late 1980s and named other serving and former detectives as bent.
But the confession didn’t have the cathartic effect M5 might have hoped for. In fact it made things worse.
M5’s psychiatrist, Michael Diamond, would later write: “It placed extra pressure on him because he had to keep ‘disappearing’ (from his normal police duties) in order to attend these interviews … he felt suicidal”.
According to Mr Diamond, M5 was in intense distress. A concerned relative had him admitted to a psychiatric unit at Manly, where he stayed for 10 days.
What happened next is remarkable. He was sent to work under cover by the ”white knights” in the NSW Police special crime and internal affairs unit (SCIA). They wanted scalps and M5 was ideally placed to produce them.
The documents reveal M5 was debriefed by SCIA in January 1999 – within days of leaving the psychiatric ward – and transferred to Manly detectives. An SCIA officer, Cath Burn, now a deputy commissioner, said M5 “volunteered” to go under cover and record his fellow detectives, some of whom were undoubtedly involved in corruption and later jailed.
But in advice to the human resources branch on September 16, 2003, a solicitor from the NSW Police legal services branch, Alan Bloomfield, recommended M5 be granted a ”hurt on duty” pension because he had been “forced” to co-operate.
Mr Bloomfield said: ”A memo from Supt [Cath] Burn states that he ‘voluntarily’ offered to assist, but in a practical sense, he did not have much choice.”
M5 kept working as a detective from early 1999 until mid-2001. He was also covertly recording his workmates.
The documents reveal that SCIA bugged M5’s house, car and briefcase, and had listening devices on M5.
Much of the recording was done in pubs, clubs and at functions – and during marathon drinking sessions.
When M5 couldn’t take it any longer, he sued for compensation in the form of a ”hurt on duty” pension.
In 2002 Mr Diamond, advising on M5’s claim for compensation, criticised SCIA’s decision to employ him under cover just after he had left a psychiatric institution.
M5 won his claim and it is understood he was also given an ex gratia payment. His payments are believed to total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
He told Mr Diamond he had been used by someone in SCIA to “settle old scores”. One of the “old scores” appears to have been then Superintendent Nick Kaldas. M5 was sent to see him five or six times. Mr Kaldas had had a serious disagreement with a senior SCIA officer, Superintendent John Dolan. Even police within SCIA were seriously concerned at the targeting of Mr Kaldas.
“I smelt a rat,” M5 told his psychiatrist. “I’ve done stuff you wouldn’t do to your worst enemy … I’ve been used.”
Operation Mascot
1350 boxes of documents (handed over by the NSW Police/Police Integrity Commission/NSW Crime Commission)
20 NSW Supreme Court judges (involved in approving the listening device warrants)
7 investigators (working for Operation Prospect)
$3.5m (extra money given to Ombudsman for inquiry)
114 serving and former police officers and civilians named in controversial listening device warrants approved by Justice Virginia Bell
1984 applications for telephone taps by NSW Police, PIC, Crime Commission in 2011-12
(source: Commonwealth Attorney-General’s report)
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2021 )
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
A man has been charged after an off-duty police officer was knocked off his bike and killed in regional Victoria last year.
Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox was killed on November 12 when a car allegedly struck his bicycle at Sea Lake in Victoria’s northwest.
The driver stopped to render assistance but the 42-year-old died at the scene.
A 57-year-old Sea Lake man was charged with culpable driving on Tuesday by major collision investigation detectives.
He was bailed to appear at the Mildura Magistrates Court on May 18.
Mr Cox worked at Sea Lake’s one-person local police station for eight years and was described as a “well-respected and admired”
community member. Australian
Associated Press
Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox was killed while riding his bike in Sea Lake where he was the only officer in the town.
Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox (right) with L-R wife Selina, son Jacob, 11, and daughters Shauna, 20, and Hannah, 17.
The site of the collision at Sea Lake. (Nine)
The local community mourned the loss of Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox. (Nine)
Family’s tribute for Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox killed while cycling at Sea Lake
ExclusiveBy Jack Paynter
NCA NewsWire
The heartbroken family of a Victoria Police officer killed while riding his bike have paid tribute to a “wonderful father” with a passion for serving his local community.
Leading Senior Constable Dennis Michael Cox, 47, tragically died when he was hit by a car while cycling on the outskirts of Sea Lake in northwest Victoria on November 12.
Senior Constable Cox’s death has sent shockwaves through the Sea Lake community where he had worked at the one-person station for the past eight years.
The popular and much-loved copper had close ties to the locals, having grown up in the Mallee region on his parents’ farm with his three sisters and two brothers.
He also had extended family in the area and was a champion footballer and past president of the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Football Netball Club.
His wife Selina said her husband touched many lives in the community and they were very thankful for the outpouring of support they had received since his death.
“We all loved him very much, he was a great dad. He regularly joked to everyone I was the luckiest woman alive,” she said.
Younger brother Phillip Cox said Constable Cox was an “old fashioned country cop” who was proud of his uniform and what it meant.
Colleague and close friend, Sergeant Brad Fowler, said it was his “dream job” was to work at a single member station, with Sea Lake his number one choice having grown up in the area.
“He policed by earning respect so that his community tried to mostly do the right thing so they didn’t put him in a bad position,” Mr Cox said.
“We heard a young man earlier this week refuse a drink as he had to drive home and he wasn’t going to let Coxy down.
“He trusted everyone and saw the best in those who made mistakes. He was patient and kind, as well as cheeky. Kids loved him and he was a brother to so many.”
Mr Cox said that was probably the reason why he had the least arrests and gave out the fewest fines during one year while based at Swan Hill police station.
He said Constable Cox adored his wife Selina, “the absolute love of his life”, and was the proud dad of Shauna, 20, Hannah, 17 and Jacob, 11.
“Shauna and Hannah were his two princesses and Jacob his right hand man,” Mr Cox said.
“Second only to Selina and the kids was his love of fishing and camping and (he) shared this with them.”
Constable Cox will also be remembered across the community as the legendary footballer who won four senior premierships with Berri-Culgoa, coached Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers and was later president after the two clubs merged.
Lifelong friend and current president of the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Football Netball Club, Colin Durie, said Constable Cox and wife Selina were “enormous” for the local club.
“He was a very modest man, he never looked for accolades, he was just happy doing his thing, keeping under the radar and just getting it done,” Mr Durie said.
“It’s just been a massive shock, it’s going to be hard to find someone else like him for our small community that’s going to put so much back into it … it’s just going to leave a massive hole.
“When he started policing he wasn’t here and the opportunity came up with the position at Sea Lake and I think he was extremely proud to get back and work in the community he’d grown up in and obviously loved.”
Constable Cox was off duty when he was struck by a car on the Sea Lake-Lascelles Road about 8am on November 12.
He had spent 12 years working with Victoria Police in the Western Division and was also based at Swan Hill police station during his career.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the crash. The driver of the car stopped at the scene and assisted police. No charges have been laid.
A GoFundMe fundraiser to support Constable Cox’s family has so far raised more than $60,000.
Off-duty policeman Dennis Cox killed in cycling crash in Victoria
A tight-knit Victorian community is mourning the tragic death of its much-loved sole policeman, described by locals as a ‘true copper’.
Angie Raphael and Jack Paynter
November 20, 2020 – 2:11PM
NCA NewsWire
The sole policeman of a tight-knit Victorian community who was tragically killed while cycling is being remembered as an “all round good bloke” and “true copper”.
Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox, 47, was riding his bike when he was hit by a car on the outskirts of Sea Lake in northwest Victoria on Thursday morning.
Senior Constable Cox’s death has sent shockwaves through the Sea Lake community where he had worked at the one-person station for the past eight years.
The popular and much-loved police officer had grown up in the Mallee region, had extended family in the area and was a past president of the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Football Netball Club.
Local councillor and Sea Lake tourism business operator David Vis told NCA NewsWire “everybody knew” Constable Cox and it would be a great loss for the community.
“He cared a lot about the local community, he was heavily involved in voluntary work as well as with the football club,” he said.
“There’s a lot of things he did over and above his police work, and he will very sadly missed by the community.
“The community hurts when these types of things happen, it’s affected the town quite badly and he’s going to be sorely missed.”
Constable Cox was off duty when he was struck by a car on the Sea Lake-Lascelles Road about 8am on Thursday.
He had spent 12 years working with Victoria Police in the Western Division and was also based at Swan Hill police station during his career.
Local community members have placed ribbons and flowers on the Sea Lake police station fence as a sign of respect to their “much-loved member of the community”.
Former police officer and Sea Lake Men’s Shed secretary Geoff McGuigan said Constable Cox was “an excellent officer and a good man”.
“We were blessed to have you here. RIP. You will be missed,” he posted on Facebook.
Advance Sea Lake Inc community group said Constable Cox was “more then (sic) our ‘local copper’”.
“A community member, family man, all round good bloke,” they posted.
“‘Sea Lake 208, log us off thanks’, that was him, every shift,” another mourner wrote. “We will miss you mate.”
“A true copper and friend of Sea Lake residents,” local Peter Arrowsmith wrote.
Another friend wrote that Constable Cox was “a wonderful ex-neighbour, family friend, such a character, so sadly missed by all”.
“We are just devastated for Dennis’ big beautiful family … you wouldn’t find a more loving and decent family,” they said.
In a statement, Victoria Police extended its deepest sympathy and condolences to Constable Cox’s immediate and extended family and friends.
“Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox was a well respected and admired member of the Sea Lake community, working at the community’s one-person station for the past eight years,” they said.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the crash. The driver of the car stopped at scene and assisted police.
His death comes several months after the Eastern Freeway crash that killed Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Constable Joshua Prestney.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2021 )
JO is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Jo IS entitled to be mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It is nice to know that the Blue Line was in effect during Jo’s illness with Leading SenCon Rice & Collings assisting Jo to attend her medical appointments since being diagnosed.
Jo regretfully leaves behind her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Laura, who only recently turned 3.
May she go with the Angels and Forever Rest In Peace.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person, by the author, at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cal
16 Feb 2021
Peter Francis LINDWALL
| 21/05/2021
Peter Francis LINDWALL
AKA Pete
Late of Mt Warrigal, NSW
Father to Stephen LINDWALL NSWPF # 26126
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 104
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11596
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on ? July 1965
Probationary Constable- appointed 16 August 1965 ( Aged 19 years, 3 months, 4 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 17 July 1981
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Chief Inspector
Stations: ?, Molong ( SenCon ), Corrimal ( 1992 era ), Dapto ( Sgt )( old Station at 4 Osborne St, Dapto ), Warilla ( Duty Officer ) – Retirement
Service: From? July? 1965 to13 July 2002 = 37 years Service
Age at Retirement: 56 years, 2 months, 1 day
Time in Retirement: 18 years, 6 months, 14 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 April 1981 ( SenCon )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992 ( Sgt )
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 4 September 2001 ( Insp )
For the information of those of us who know Retired Chief Inspector Peter Lindwall from the Warilla days.
I sent Pete & Flo and email yesterday asking how they are because I expected to see Pete at Kevin Monks funeral and thought it strange he didn’t show.
Pete sent me the below message yesterday evening – but I have only just read it now.
He was a bloody great bloke and it is a shame to hear of this happening to him – so I will have to get down there in the early New Year for a coffee with him. ( this, unfortunately, didn’t happen but I did get to speak with Pete about 4 days before his passing, with a phone call ).
Hi Cal,
Unfortunately I’m not travelling too well my self at the moment.
I am sorry but I thought that you would have heard about this.
In December last year( 2019 ) I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. For the first half of 2020 I was receiving chemo at Wollongong Hospital. All appeared to be going well but after the treatment finished the chemo returned which wasn’t good. I started in a clinical trial at Prince of Wales, Randwick in September which also was going well, but follow up scans showed that the lymphoma had once again returned. There is no more treatment that I can have or the Doctors can do.
I’ve been in and out of hospital for the past twelve months. I came home from hospital on Christmas Eve and hopefully I won’t have to go back in.
I’m feeling okay, some pain around the back and hips, but I am on pain relief medication.
I’m sorry that you didn’t know about this I just thought that the word would have passed around.
It was certainly a shock about Kevin Monk, but unfortunately I wasn’t in a position to attend the funeral.
Feel free to pass this information on to anybody that you think should know.
My mobile phone number is 0409 247 685. It’s okay to give me a call.
Thanks for your concern Cal, we greatly appreciate it.
Regards
Peter
Deepest condolences to Pete’s wife, Flo, son Steve, family and friends.
Pete was a lovely bloke who cared for his troops and family. He was a bloke for whom everyone respected because of his nature.
Cal
27 January 2021
THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 LAKE ILLAWARRA RETIRED POLICE DAY AT LAKE ILLAWARRA POLICE STATION, OAK FLATS. Retired Chief Inspector Peter Lindwall & Supt. Zoran ?
THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE INAUGURAL RETIRED POLICE PIN CEREMONY AT OAK FLATS ( WARILLA ) ( LAKE ILLAWARRA ) POLICE STATION. RETIRED POLICE RECEIVING THEIR PINS AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE COMMITMENT TO POLICING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF NSW. Retired Chief Inspector Peter Lindwall and Supt. Wayne Starling
26 SEPTEMBER 2004 SEND OFF FUNCTION FOR FORMER SENIOR CONSTABLE GREG CALLANDER HELD AT WESTERN SUBURBS LEAGUES CLUB, UNANDERRA. Joe Mura, Kerryn Mura, Peter Lindwall, Paul Cole, Flo Lindwell, Paul Cole, at the first table.
At this time, I have only uploaded these three photos. When I get further time ( most probably Sunday evening ), I will upload the Live Funeral Stream and also the remainder of the photos taken at the Funeral and Wake.
380 turned out for Pete’s Funeral.
A fitting Tribute for a lovely man.
Cal
5 Feb 2021
“I wonder which footy team Pete supported?”
Gary John COLLETT
| 21/05/2021
Gary John COLLETT
AKA Gus
Late of Wee Waa, NSW
“Possibly” related to Victor Frank COLLETT ( aka: Mopp ) NSWPF # 16977 from the same Academy Class &
a P.M. COLLETT NSWPF # 21939
a Glen J. COLLETT NSWPF # 28197
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 147
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 16979
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 5 May 1975 ( Aged 24 years, 4 months, 6 days )
Constable – appointed 5 May 1976
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 5 May 1984
was still SenCon in the 1989 Stud Book
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Detective Sergeant ?
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Stations: ?, Balmain?, Goodooga, Walgett as an*‘A’ Lister ( Detective )( early 1980s ), Mid North Coast – Forster ( Detective )( mid 1980s ), ( Detective mostly in Stock Investigation ), Dubbo ( early 1990s )( Detective )
Service: From? ?pre May 1975? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 17 March 1992 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 4 September 2001 ( Det Sgt )
Born: Friday 29 December 1950
Died on: Wednesday 13 January 2021
Age: 70 years & 15 days
Cause: ?
Event location: Dubbo Base Hospital, Dubbo, NSW
Event date: Wednesday 13 January 2021 during the p.m.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2021 )
GUS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Gus is survived by his wife, Pauline, and two daughters.
* an ‘A’ Lister who a person who has applied to become a Detective.
He is placed on this list – then is ‘ trialled ‘ ( on Probation ) within a Detectives Officer to see if he has the ability to qualify for such a position.
We lost one of our bowlers last night at Dubbo Base Hospital. Gary had turned 70 on the 29 Dec 2020. He was of ill health for some time, but he being the very private person he was, did not disclose his illness.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this man at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.