My very first encounter with Ian was on Monday, 7 September 1992, at the base of Mt Ousley and the F8 ( as it was known then ) during the evening.
Ian was on his way to Engadine to start his night shift whilst I was involved in my very first Signal One at the intersection that Ian was stopped at for the red traffic lights.
He could see my police vehicle there with the lights flashing and the offenders vehicle, but couldn’t see us – because we were on the other side of the car wrestling on the ground. I was of the impression that my offender, Barron Van Rijssen of Orlando Pde, Mosman, Chef, was attempting to retrieve a firearm from a bag he had grabbed from the front seat.
I dropped Rijssen to the ground but he then bit my right wrist area and I could feel his teeth gnoring into the flesh. I found my long torch and bashed the shit out of his head until he released his bite. No sooner had he released the bit and he bit me a second time on the lower forearm, at which time I took to his head with the torch again. He stopped biting and I forced my right arm away from his head, grabbed that most important portable radio which was always turned on and called my first “Signal One“.
All I wanted to hear was the sound of sirens, so that I knew how long I had to last – fighting this drugged up arse wipe.
No sirens were heard but I most definitely heard footsteps coming towards me, from behind. I immediately thought that this prick has mates who are pulling up to help him.
I was pleasantly wrong and had a local Musco – Ron Garbutt who was also stopped at the lights and could see the fight. I didn’t know Ron from a bar of soap but he stepped in to help, searching for my lost handcuffs. At the same time, another set of footsteps came to my side. “I’m in the job mate” at which time Ian ( whom I had never met ) put his foot on the arm of the offender that I had pinned to the ground. Ian started telling the idiot to calm down – which the idiot did, but no sooner had I released my pressure from the hold, than the peanut started struggling violently again, so Ian got down on the ground with me to hold the grub until the troops rallied a few minutes later.
To say I was ‘stuffed’ ( I will be polite here ) was an understatement.
A short time later I went into shock and was taken to Wollongong Hospital in my HWP car and threw my guts up everywhere.
For all of the blood that I was covered in – I am pleased to say that it was all of the peanuts from his head wounds.
And I thank Ian Sladden and Ron Garbutt to this day for the simple fact of checking on my welfare on the side of the road.
Thanks Ian. May your journey be smooth.
My deepest condolences to Lorraine and the family.
Greg Callander
Retired SenCon 17463
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Obituary of Ian Sladden
4th April 2018
Late of Nowra Hill
Formerly of Berry
Beloved Husband of Lorraine
Much loved father to Elicia, and Alex
and step father to Grant, Craig and Michelle
Cherished grandfather to Charlotte, Lexi, Lila, and Oliver
Hundreds of people have packed St Paul’s Anglican Church in Tamworth, in north-west New South Wales, for the funeral today of long serving Kootingal policeman Steve Pepperell.
The crowd at this morning’s service was told of a family man who faced tragedy in his life, but who also made an enormous contribution to the police service since his induction in the early 1970s.
Senior Constable Pepperell was killed in a motorbike accident last week, sending shockwaves through the community he had served for many years.
The overflowing crowd watched the service on big screen TVs that had been placed outside the church.
The head of the Tamworth-based Oxley local area command, Tony Jefferson, says he remembers an officer who trained many young officers, who in turn have made a large contribution to the police service.
“He’d walk in here when he’d report to Tamworth with this devilish smirk on his face, and you’d never know what he’d been up to,” he said.
He says he will miss Senior Constable Pepperell’s roguish sense of humour.
Kootingal police officer honoured on memorial plaque
Breanna Chillingworth
A FORMER Kootingal police officer who died in an accident almost eight years ago has been honoured at an official memorial in Sydney.
Senior Constable Stephen David Pepperell was a familiar face after serving for more than two decades in the Kootingal and Tamworth areas as a police officer, right up until his tragic death in a motorbike accident in southern NSW in 2007.
Yesterday, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione unveiled a commemorative memorial plaque at the Sydney Police Centre in Surrey Hills, featuring the names of several sworn and unsworn officers including Senior Constable Pepperell who have died while serving in the NSW Police Force.
Several of Senior Constable’s Pepperell’s family including his parents travelled to Sydney for yesterday’s service. They said they were touched by the commemoration of their father, son and grandfather.
“We are honoured that Dad, even after his passing, will be recognised for his service and lifelong commitment to the police force,” daughter Natalie Pepperell told The Leader.
“Dad was one of the longest-serving police officers in one station and he was quite proud of that; he was so well-known in the community.”
Senior Constable Pepperell joined the force in Sydney in 1971 and never looked back.
After a city stint, he moved to Tamworth in 1980 and served for two years before transferring to Kootingal, where he was stationed until his tragic death.
“It was very touching because we grew up in the police station, in the police residence for all those years and the police force was a big part of our lives,” Ms Pepperell said.
FAMILY TIES: Anthony, Sienna, Ebony, Jenna, Natalie, Daphne and Edward Pepperell.
“So we have a lot of respect and gratitude towards the police, and appreciation that after seven years they continue to remember Dad. It is a really nice tribute.”
It was also his work outside the force made him a familiar face around Kootingal.
Senior Constable Pepperell was member and president of the Kootingal Lions Club, president of Kootingal Bowling Club, a Group 4 referee and also an avid Harley-Davidson rider.
He continues to be honoured with the Steve Pepperell Memorial Shield football match, which is played annually in Kootingal and raises funds for the Cancer Council – a cause close to his heart after he suffered Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The Kootingal-Moonbi rugby league club is calling on teams competing in Group 4 to pledge their support behind the, 2018 Steve Pepperell Shield Memorial Day.
The day honours Steve Pepperell’s tireless dedication to the community of Kootingal, with all proceeds from the day going to the New South Wales Cancer Council.
Prize money is up for grabs for the winner and runners-up. The fundraiser will be held on March 10.
Pepperell Shield biggest yet as second division gets into gear
GROUP 4 Second Division clubs have been converging on Kootingal for the past five years to play a bit of footy before the start of the season and raise some money for the Cancer Council.
The sixth Steve Pepperell Memorial Shield tomorrow will be one of the biggest yet with eight teams entered.
Even re-formed clubs Walcha and Boggabri have joined their new second division opponents is supporting the event, played in honour of the late Steve Pepperell.
Walcha and Boggabri meet in their first game of the day in an all-Kangaroo derby, before Walcha tackles Quirindi and Boggy faces Manilla.
All teams will play two games each and the winner will be the team with the best record for the day.
Werris Creek is the defending champion having won every trophy available to a second division club last season. With so many teams entered the day is a long one.
The first game is at 9am when Manilla tackles Bendemeer, with the last game to finish about 5.30pm before the presentation of the shield.
There will also be some exhibition league tag games between Dungowan, Kootingal, Quirindi and Walcha – the first league tag games to be played under the Group 4 banner.
Passed away peacefully on Thursday 12th October, 2017.
Late of Shoreline Drive, Northshore, Port Macquarie.
Dearly beloved Husband of Donna.
Loving Father of Harry, Fred and Max.
Fond Son and Son in law of Ray and Pat Hanley, Brian (deceased) and Marie Shaw.
Loving Brother of Shane, Roger and Joshua.
Brother in law, Uncle and Cousin to their Families
Aged 48 Years
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Phil will be celebrated in the Chapel of the Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium, Philip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie on Friday 20th October, 2017 commencing at 1.p.m.
By special request if you would like to wear footy jerseys, flanno and thongs in keeping with Phil’s casual approach to life.
October 24, 2017
standing at the funeral was like having my life flash before my eyes it was a very emotional moment and almost everyone cried including me.
after we all went to hibard and snuck into the trampoline park to have fun then played putt putt golf.
alanna parry-watson, nsw, New South Wales
October 18, 2017
You will live on forever in our fond memories. Thank you for your big heart. After a courageous fight may you Rest In Peace .
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 8 July 1977 (No.75), page 2845
IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.— Probate Division.— Re estate of SARAH PHYLLIS MOUNTJOY, late of West Merrylands, in the State of New South Wales, married woman, deceased.— Probate granted by Supreme Court of New South Wales on 24th June, 1977.— Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1940, Testator’s Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1954, and Trustee Act, 1925-1942, Regby Francis Slucher, the executor of the will of the said Sarah Phyllis Mountjoy, who died on the 22nd day of May, 1977, hereby gives notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send particulars of their claims to the said executor at the office of D. C. Maclaren and Co., Solicitors, Holroyd House, 234 Merrylands Road, Merrylands, on or before the 23rd day of September, 1977, at the expiration of which time the said executor will distribute the assets of the said deceased to the persons entitled having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice.—Dated this 4th day of July, 1977. D. C. MACLAREN & CO., Solicitors, Holroyd House, 234 Merrylands Road, Merrylands 2160 (D.X. 739). 3924 — $10
Probationary Constable – appointed 16 January 1945
* Six months as Probationary Constable – winner of Silver Baton competition
Constable – appointed 1 July 1945
Approved to drive Police cars on 27 June 1949
He failed his 1st attempt at the Cst 1/C exam in 1948 but passed on 29 August 1950
Passed his Detectives course and was designated Detective on 10 October 1950
Detective Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 July 1951
Passed his Sgt 3/C exam on 8 February 1955 – **Awarded the Peter Mitchell Trophy.
Detective Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1958
Detective Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 4 August 1958
Passed his Sgt 1/C exam on 30 April 1963
Approved to drive Police General Duty Utes & light trucks on 6 March 1964
Detective Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 7 October 1965
Detective Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 6 May 1968
Passed his Inspector’s exam on 14 May 1969
Detective Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 24 February 1974
General Uniform – from 1 March 1974
Date Passed Medical Examination – 1 March 1974
Detective – 23 September 1974
Detective Inspector 2nd Class – appointed 27 November 1975
Inspector 1st Class – appointed 3 April 1977
Superintendent – appointed 19 April 1978
Chief Superintendent -appointed 1 November 1980
Completed the Disaster Controller / Commander’s Course # 8 of 26 – 30 October 1981
Chief Superintendent – Optional Retirement taken on 30 December 1983
Stations: As a Police Cadet: # 15 Division from 26 May 1941 – Cadet Service, # 2 Division ( Regent St ) from 4 November 1941 – Clerical,
# 20 Division – from 2 March 1942 – Lost Property Office, North Eastern District – Newcastle from 4 September 1942 – Clerical,
# 20 Division, Pistol Licences Branch from 23 June 1943, # 20 Division – S.O.I.B., C.I.B. from 24 April 1944 – Scientific Bureau,
Newcastle from 16 October 1944 – Cadet Service
As a Sworn Policeman: # 4 Division ( Phillip St or George St North ) on G.D’s from 24 January 1945,
Traffic Office – Public Safety Bureau ( Clerical ) from 4 March 1946,
Criminal Investigation Branch ( C.I.B. ) – Training with Detective from 28 August 1946,
C.I.B. – C.I. Duty from 1 September 1947, # 10 Division – C.I. Duty from 22 November 1948, C.I.B. – C.I. Duty from 6 March 1950,
# 3 Division ( Darlinghurst ) C.I. Duty from 14 March 1951, Vice Squad – Headquarters from 11 November 1951,
# 5 Division – C.I. Duty from 20 June 1955, # 19 Division – C.I. Duty from 16 January 1956, C.I.B. H.Q. – C.I. Duty from 22 May 1964,
Seconded to Investigation Section, Registrar of Companies from 9 November 1964, C.I.B. H.Q. – C.I. Duty from 16 November 1966,
# 20 Division 0 H.Q. – Special Investigation from 13 November 1968,
# 2 Division ( Regent St ) – Divisional Detective Sergeant from 13 March 1972,
# 1 Sub District ( Central ) as Assistant to Detective Inspector from 14 October 1973,
# 26 Division ( Merrylands ) – Assistant O.I.C., C.I. Branch – Relieving Detective Inspector from 23 September 1974,
“G” District – Detective Inspector – from 12 October 1974,
# 1 Division ( Central ) – O.I.C. from 19 April 1977,
“H” District as Assistant Superintendent I.C. from 1 August 1977,
Metropolitan Area Office – Relieving Superintendent from 19 April 1978,
“H” District – Superintendent in Charge from 6 May 1979,
“B” District – Superintendent in Charge from 20 January 1980,
“G” District as Superintendent in Charge from 9 November 1980,
“I” District as Superintendent in Charge from 7 March 1982,
“A” District as Superintendent in Charge ( temporary ) from 4 July 1982,
“I” District as Chief Superintendent from 10 October 1982
Liverpool – 22 Division – Optional Retirement
Service: From 26 May 1941to 30 December 1983= 42+years Service ( Optional Retirement )
Awards: Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – awarded on 26 May 1967
National Medal – granted 11 June 1982 ( Snr Supt. )
Commendations: Commended for keen observation and initiative on the 19th June 1944 ( he was a Police Cadet ) when he noticed a Defence Dept. brand on a motor tyre of a stationary motor car, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of an offender for Goods in custody.
Recommended by the Committee of Appraisement. Wm. J. M. C. of P. Pps – 29 August 1944
* Winner of Silver Baton Competition, 1943 – 1944. To be appointed to Police Force ( Constable ) on 1.7.45
**Awarded the Peter Mitchell Trophy for obtaining the highest marks in the qualifying examination for Appointment to the rank of Sergeant 3rd Class.
*** Commended for good work performed in connection with the investigation concerning the wounding of John Clarence Straughan, ( Straughen ) 30 old, ironworker, at Chester Hill Railway Station on the 7th October, 1956, resulting in the arrest of John Henry Fishburn on a charge of shooting with intent to murder. 1.8.57
Commended by the Registrar of Companies in regard to services rendered whilst attached to the Companies Office from 9.11.64 to 16.11.66 not only by the manner in which they undertook the cases with which they were involved but also in regard to assisting to train and advise in the areas in which they specialise. N.T.W. Allan, Commissioner of Police 5.12.66
Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – awarded on 26 May 1967
Commended for excellent work in connection with inquiries into alleged wrongful supply by certain members of the Police Force of information concerning motor vehicle collisions to a Company known as Ford and Associates. Fred J. Hanson, Commissioner of Police 28.6.73
Appointed Departmental Representative on the Council of the Prisoner’s Aid Association of N.S.W. L.F. Newman Dep. C. of Police 12.2.76
Born: 30 March 1924
Died on: Wednesday 21 March 2018
Age: 93
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Funeral Parlour:
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
Police Cadet Stanley John WALDEN
[alert_yellow]STAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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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.
Upon joining NSW Police Force, as a Cadet, Stan was described as: 5′ 9.5″ tall, 10 st 3 lb, blue eyes, fair hair and complexion. He was a native of Rugby, England and was employed as a Junior Clerk prior to joining. He was Married on the 18 March 1950.
Stan obtained the School Intermediate and Leaving Certificates. He also obtained a General Matriculation Pass. French to Leaving Standard.
He could type at 60 wpm ( words per minute ) and Shorthand at 120 wpm at his Police Class test on 1 January 1956.
His name was placed on the Honour Roll at the Police Depot, was winner of the Silver Baton award of 1943 – 1944.
He was assessed as ‘Competent” as a relieving telephone operator on Headquarter’s Switch.
He also completed a course of lectures on criminology at Sydney University Law School.
The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 16 November 1974 page 25
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123796217/
Nov 16, 1974 – Inspector Stanley John Walden and Detective Sergeant Dennis Toohey from executing a search warrant issued under Section 354 of the Crimes Act in respect’ of the statement. They are also seeking a declaration that Section 354 of the Crimes Act does not authorise the issue or execution …
John Henry Fishburn had said too much rum made him shoot a sleeping man at Chester Hill, Constable A. A. Pry ( nswpf # 5826 ), told the Central Court today.
Pry said Fishburn admitted that he fired two shots at John Straughen, but both missed, so he crept closer, shot Straughen in the back, and stole £ 13/10/ from him.
Fishburn, 34, laborer, of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty to shooting with intent to murder.
He was committed for trial on March 4, 1957, and refused ball.
Constable Pry said that Fishburn claimed he did not mean to hurt Straughen.
Dr. M, J. Tarlington, of St. Vincent’s Hospital, said a metallic body was lodged in Straughen‘s spine.
He would never walk properly again, but might, be able to get around on crutches.
KIRKBY:
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late retired member Francis (Frank) David Kirkby 2808 at Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park on Wednesday (04.04.2018) at 10.30am.
KIRKBY Francis David
(“Frank”):
Slipped away quietly at age 85 on 22 March 2018. Dearly loved Husband of the late Veronica Kathleen. Treasured Father of Toni, Vicki and Brent. Father-in-Law of Robert, Anthony, Kristy, Linda and Steve. Cherished Poppy of Stacey, Scott, Kate, Jordan and Tyler. Loved extra Pop of Amber, Anthony, Leon and Rhonda.
Published in The West Australian on Mar. 26, 2018
Friday, 30 March 2018
Life’s journey never really ends because the wonderful memories of you will travel with us wherever we go. All our love Vicki, Anthony and Chloe.
~
Vicki Kirkby,
Perth, Western Australia
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Sympathy to Frank’s family, so sorry to hear of his passing. Remembering happy times at Scarborough CIB with Frank, Bud and Bill.
~
Douglas RYDER,
Sapphire Beach, New South Wales
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
KIRKBY (Francis ): Sympathy to his family and friends from CIB cricket and Bowls Club
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
KIRKBY (Frank ): The President, Committee and members of the WA Police Bowling Club extend to Frank’s family their sincere condolences. Frank was a long serving and valued member of our club and will be sadly missed.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Thursday 22 October 1981, page 3
Murder of baby alleged
PERTH:
A Supreme Court jury heard yesterday how a 17 year-old girl concealed from her parents that she was pregnant and then gave birth to a baby boy in her bedroom.
In an alleged statement given to the police, Miss Amelia Maria Martins said she was frightened her mother would hear the baby crying so she put a blanket over its face and suffocated it.
She then placed the baby’s body in a wardrobe overnight before burying it in the back yard the next morning.
Miss Martins, now 18, of Armadale, 34 kilometres from Perth, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of wilfully murdering a male child in Armadale on June 18 this year.
Mr Manuel Martins, the accused’s father, 43, told the jury through an interpreter how he had discovered an area of disturbed soil in the garden on June 19.
He had noticed some paper and part of a blanket with blood on it.
On further examination he had seen two fingers and some hair of what appeared to be a baby.
He said he had not known his daughter was pregnant as she always wore big dresses.
The accused’s mother, Mrs Maria Martins, also said she did not know her daughter was going to have a baby.
Detective-Sergeant Francis Kirkby, of Perth CIB, said he interviewed Miss Martins at her home on June 19. She had told him she had had the baby about 4pm the previous day in her bedroom on her own.
Sergeant Kirkby said Miss Martins then made a written statement which said she had become pregnant and decided not to tell her parents.
In the alleged statement, she said she woke up on June 18 with pains and, by the afternoon, they were coming closer together. She then had lain on her bed.
When the baby had come, she had cut the umbilical cord with a razor blade.
When the baby had begun to cry, she had put a blanket over the baby’s face.
She had not wanted to kill the baby “but I had to as I didn’t want mum to know I had a baby”, the alleged statement concluded.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 20 May 1946, page 8
WEEKEND ACCIDENTS.
Football Causes Accident.
A football which rolled under the front wheel of a bicycle ridden by Francis David Kirkby (13) of 182 Sixth-avenue, Inglewood, about 11.40 a.m. on Saturday caused the lad to be thrown heavily to the roadway. He was unconscious when a St. John Ambulance arrived and took him- to the Perth Hospital suffering from concussion. It is understood that two small boys were throwing the ball to each other in Sixth-avenue when Kirkby rode down the street.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1950), Saturday 18 May 1946, page 25
Hurt When Bike Goes Over Ball
When the front wheel of his bicycle ran over a football during a street game today, a boy was thrown heavily to the roadway and suffered concussion. He is Francis David Kirkby (13), of Sixth Avenue, Inglewood.
It was reported to Constable Thomson, of the Perth Traffic Branch, that Kirkby and another boy, both on bicycles, were playing with a football with two other boys who were on foot. During the game, Kirkby ‘s machine ran over the ball and he fell. A St. John ambulance took him to the Perth Hospital.
Allan Served with NSWPF for over 25 years before having to take a forced Retirement due to injuries.
Since departing our company in 2007, Allan has become a locomotive driver in order to pay the bills to support his wife Cassie and their six children.
With the sudden death of Allan, times are tough and the bills continue to roll in – together with other bills in association with the sudden and unexpected death of Allan.
In order to assist the family, financially, a gofundme page has been set up by friends and it is requested that any small, or large, amount of money that you can afford to assist this family in their time of grief, will be very much appreciated.
Simply go to the below link and you can immediately transfer funds from your account into the gofundme account to help the family. Their goal, at this time, is only $5,000 and they are half way there but still need a little more help to get them there.
Goulburn Evening Post (NSW : 1940 – 1954), Monday 2 July 1951, page 2
Police Say Truck Hit Fence, Light Pole
It was possible that a utility truck had continued on after an accident because the driver’s body had slipped on to the accelerator, a police constable said in Goulburn Coroner’s Court on Saturday.
He was John Herbert Gunness, who was giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Arthur David Eady, of Yass. Eedy was found dead in a crashed utility truck on Braidwood Road on June 2.
Deputy Coroner, Mr. Peter Jackson, found death had been caused by head injuries received when Eedy‘s car had crashed into a telephone post.
Constable John Herbert Gunness said, about 3.15 p.m. on June 2 he had gone to the scene of an accident, 3½ miles from Goulburn on Braidwood Road.
There he had seen a utility truck through a fence on the eastern side of the roadway. He had noticed skid marks the first 340 yards from the vehicle. They had indicated the vehicle had veered across the roadway before leaving it. The vehicle had gone between a telephone post and fence and had knocked out two fence posts. It had continued on and struck a telephone post. “It would appear that prior to this deceased was thrown from his driving seat onto the floor, his head and shoulders protruding from the door,”. said Constable Gunness. When the vehicles struck the post, the door in turn struck deceased.”
Cross examined by Mr. P. Baker ( for relatives of deceased ). Gunness said indications were that the vehicle had been travelling at high speed.
Kathleen Isabel Livingstone barmaid at Alcestan Hotel, said that on June 2 at 2.30 pm. she was in the hotel saloon bar, where she saw deceased. He had had two or three small beers, then a whisky and water. At about 2.40 p.m. he had left the hotel. That was the last she had seen of him. At that time he was perfectly sober.
Rupert Fraser Taylor, of “Homeden,” Gundary, said about 3 p.m. on. June 2 he was driving his car along Braidwood Road. About 3½, miles from Goulburn he noticed a fence was down, and a car in the paddock. He noticed a man hanging out of the car door. He could see he was beyond hope, so rang the police.
Dr. Ronald Lloyd-Jones said that on June 2 at 6 p.m. he had examined Eedy’s body. There were indications of a fracture at the base of the skull. In his opinion death was due to brain damage as a result of this injury.
Goulburn Evening Post (NSW : 1940 – 1954), Tuesday 20 June 1950, page 4
MAN FOUND WEARING STOLEN CLOTHES, Fined £15 Or Thirty Days
A man said in the Goulburn Court of Petty Sessions yesterday that after his suitcases had been stolen from the railway station on Wednesday he had seen another man in Sloane Street wearing clothes belonging to him.
The man was Frederick William Bannard, petrol pump fitter, of Wattle Street, Punchbowl.
John Wilson France, 35, pleaded guilty to a charge that on June 14, at Goulburn, he had stolen two suitcases, clothing, and carpenter’s tools, valued at £15, the property of Bannard.
Constable John Herbert Gunness said that at 1 a.m. on June 14 he had seen the defendants on the island platform at Goulburn railway station. He asked him where he had come from, and France had told him he had come from Yass, and he was going to try to get a job here. ” He was dressed as he is now, ” Constable Gunness told the court. ( France appeared in custody wearing light blue slacks, a dark grey coat, a blue shirt, open at the neck, and tan shoes ).
At about 3a.m. the same day he had had a conversation with Bannard, the Constable said, and later he had seen France at the corner of Sloane and Clinton Streets. He was carrying one large and one small case, and he was dressed in a leather overcoat, grey shirt, and navy blue trousers. When questioned he had admitted he had taken the property from the railway station and it belonged to Bannard.
At the police station France had said: ” You know how it is when a man has a few drinks. While I was at Yass I had my own property stolen. ” He was slightly under the influence at the time. Bannard said that last Wednesday he had arrived at Goulburn in the early hours of the morning. He had left his suitcases in the waiting room on the island platform while he went to get refreshments. When he returned his belongings were missing.
At about 5 a.m. he was walking down Sloane Street from Clinton Street. He saw a man there and noticed he was wearing his leather overcoat. There were also two bags nearby which he recognised as his property. Later he noticed the man had on his clothes. He had notified the police. All his property had been recovered with the exception of a pair of old trousers which he used as overalls.
Asked whether he had anything to say, France said he had been left in the middle of winter without any clothes. All his possessions had been stolen twice since summer.
Mr. A. J. Paton, S.M., told France to steal anyone else’s things was mean and paltry. If drink was the cause of his lapses the best thing for him to do would be give it up. ” A lot of luggage does go off this way, ” Mr. Paton said. ” I don’t know what to do with you, I am sure. I will give you an opportunity. ”
He fined France £15 in default 30 days hard labour, and ordered that the property be returned to the owner.
Mr. Paton: ” Can you pay that? ” France: ” No; sir. ” Mr. Paton: ” Are you asking for time to pay? ” France: ” No. ” Mr. Paton remanded France till July 10 on a second charge of stealing clothing worth £7/10.
Goulburn Evening Post (NSW : 1940 – 1954), Tuesday 25 April 1950, page 3
NEGLIGENT DRIVING
A man charged with negligent driving said in the Goulburn Court of Petty Sessions yesterday that one of the prime causes of an accident he was involved in, was that he was dazzled by another car’s headlights.
He was Melville Cavanagh Aubrey, of Faithfull Street, Goulburn, who pleaded not guilty to a charge that on December 25, he had driven a motor car on the Hume Highway in a negligent manner.
Constable John Herbert Gunness, of Goulburn, said that on December 25, at 10 p.m. he had gone to the scene of an accident on the Hume Highway, at Yarra.
Two cars had been involved. Both had been severely damaged on the off-side front mudguards. Aubrey was the driver of one of the cars and Ralph Stone was the other driver. Stone had told him: ” I was driving along and I saw the lights of the other car coming. I slowed down and pulled as far to the left as I could. “The other car kept coming, and all I could do was sit and wait for the accident. ” Aubrey had said: ” I was travelling north at about 40 miles per hour. For a moment I did not know there had been an accident. I do not think I was on the wrong side of the yellow line. ”
GLAZIER’S EVIDENCE
Ralph Ewart Stone, grazier, Stoneleigh, Dalton, said that at about 8,.45 p.m. on December 25, he was driving south along the Hume Highway, near Yarra. ” I was about 60 yards from the bridge when I first saw the lights of the approaching car. ” I dipped the lights, slowed down, and eased over to the safety fence on the left. ” As far as I could see the other car was going slightly from one side of the road to the other. It continued on and struck the right hand mudguard of my car. ” When the car stopped, it was about 200 yards away from my stationary car.
Aubrey gave evidence that he was travelling north on the Hume Highway at that time. He came over the Yarra viaduct, crossed down the road and noticed a car coming in the other direction with its head lights on full beam. He said: ” I dipped my lights pulled towards the left and then there was a crash.
Mr. A. J. Paton,:S.M., adjourned the hearing till Monday, May 8.
