Click to read 'Truth Quest' article
During our western tour we were interviewed by a reporter from the Highlife Downs Living Magazine. Highlife is a beautiful glossy publication, available in most newsagencies, and we're very grateful they chose to write their article, which helps us present our grandfather's case to a broader community. Although important new evidence has already come in we live in hope that someone else may still come forward and be willing to share memories/information that could assist us should this old Brisbane crime ever be re-examined.
Thank you Kerryn and Dana from Highlife Downs Living.
Deb and Jan
22 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Boggo Road Conditions - 68 years ago - Part 6
Sunday 23 February, 1947
While our grandfather languished in Boggo Road Gaol, the Truth published an article titled Inside Light on Boggo-Road Conditions. A 'hush hush' departmental inquiry was apparently underway following the escape of three prisoners including Arthur 'Slim' Halliday. But another man, after a stay in Boggo Road, went public describing 'appalling filth' and hygiene; he told of a privileged prisoner who slept regularly in the hospital, 'his favourite resort'; gaol food where fruit and vegetables were unheard of; stealing of prison rations; and smuggling of goods in and out of the prison.
This disturbing article hit the news stands on the day Ian Brown (Deb's father) should have been celebrating his 20th birthday. There were no celebrations in the Brown family.
Tomorrow Ian turns eighty-eight.
Deb and Jan
While our grandfather languished in Boggo Road Gaol, the Truth published an article titled Inside Light on Boggo-Road Conditions. A 'hush hush' departmental inquiry was apparently underway following the escape of three prisoners including Arthur 'Slim' Halliday. But another man, after a stay in Boggo Road, went public describing 'appalling filth' and hygiene; he told of a privileged prisoner who slept regularly in the hospital, 'his favourite resort'; gaol food where fruit and vegetables were unheard of; stealing of prison rations; and smuggling of goods in and out of the prison.
This disturbing article hit the news stands on the day Ian Brown (Deb's father) should have been celebrating his 20th birthday. There were no celebrations in the Brown family.
Tomorrow Ian turns eighty-eight.
Deb and Jan
15 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Story in Take 5
Issue No.8 of Take 5 is on sale until Feb 19th
12 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Bill Carter QC - Thank You
It was with great sadness that we learned about the recent passing of Bill Carter. We will remain indebted to Bill for the invaluable (although he considered it modest) contribution he made to Lingering Doubts.
Thank you Bill R.I.P.
Deb and Jan
Bill Carter QC calls for a ban on cops investigating cops
(2009) Tony Koch and Michael McKenna from The Australian.
Thank you Bill R.I.P.
Deb and Jan
Bill Carter QC calls for a ban on cops investigating cops
(2009) Tony Koch and Michael McKenna from The Australian.
7 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - 68 years ago - Boggo Road Gaol - Part 5
Friday 7 February 1947
After the five day committal hearing, Mr Landy SM said he thought a prima facie case had been made out. Our grandfather was committed for trial. Detective Sub-Inspector Bischof had predicted that a prima facie case was apparent less than three days after Reg Brown's arrest. Bail was not granted. Our grandfather returned to the remand wing at Boggo Road Gaol, Brisbane Prison.
Deb and Jan
After the five day committal hearing, Mr Landy SM said he thought a prima facie case had been made out. Our grandfather was committed for trial. Detective Sub-Inspector Bischof had predicted that a prima facie case was apparent less than three days after Reg Brown's arrest. Bail was not granted. Our grandfather returned to the remand wing at Boggo Road Gaol, Brisbane Prison.
Deb and Jan
5 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - 68 years ago - Det. Frank Bischof - Part 4
3 February 1947
The opening of the five day committal hearing in Brisbane's Police Court. Detective Sub-Inspector Frank Bischof prosecuted. For the next five mornings the Magistrate read out the charge of 'wilful murder'. Every day our grandfather firmly answered, 'Not guilty, Your Worship'.
Deb and Jan
The opening of the five day committal hearing in Brisbane's Police Court. Detective Sub-Inspector Frank Bischof prosecuted. For the next five mornings the Magistrate read out the charge of 'wilful murder'. Every day our grandfather firmly answered, 'Not guilty, Your Worship'.
Deb and Jan
1 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Boggo Road Gaol - 68 years ago - Part 3
1 February 1947
In readiness for the committal hearing in the Police Court, or today, Magistrate's Court, only one day remained for the preparation of our grandfather's defence against the charge of wilful murder. However, on this date in 1947, our grandfather's defence was 'seriously hampered' by Boggo Road Gaol authorities when notes he had written for his solicitor were confiscated by a prison guard. Upon his barrister's protest in the presence of the magistrate, incredibly, the only official respondent on record is Detective Sub-inspector Frank Bischof. In part, his report read:
We ask the question in our book: Does Bischof's response imply that when a person was denied bail and subsequently detained on remand, police officers investigating the crime, had the ability to curtail the prisoner's defence? Worse still be privvy to the prisoner's notes written in a vain attempt to defend themself? Back then, successful convictions equaled plum promotions for police.
It defies belief that this corrupt and cruel practice, incorporating the justice, penal and legal systems, was very obviously common place here in Brisbane - scarier still to think it was only 68 years ago.
Deb and Jan
In readiness for the committal hearing in the Police Court, or today, Magistrate's Court, only one day remained for the preparation of our grandfather's defence against the charge of wilful murder. However, on this date in 1947, our grandfather's defence was 'seriously hampered' by Boggo Road Gaol authorities when notes he had written for his solicitor were confiscated by a prison guard. Upon his barrister's protest in the presence of the magistrate, incredibly, the only official respondent on record is Detective Sub-inspector Frank Bischof. In part, his report read:
....There is no desire by any member of this [Police] Department to ascertain the contents of any notes BROWN may wish to hand his Solicitor.The privilege existing between solicitor and client was, and is, sacred. But this was not upheld when Reg Brown was on trial. The incident was simply glossed over.
We ask the question in our book: Does Bischof's response imply that when a person was denied bail and subsequently detained on remand, police officers investigating the crime, had the ability to curtail the prisoner's defence? Worse still be privvy to the prisoner's notes written in a vain attempt to defend themself? Back then, successful convictions equaled plum promotions for police.
It defies belief that this corrupt and cruel practice, incorporating the justice, penal and legal systems, was very obviously common place here in Brisbane - scarier still to think it was only 68 years ago.
Deb and Jan
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