WOUNDING OF POLICE OFFICER

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21813, 19 June 1936, Page 11

WOUNDING OF POLICE OFFICER

MORE EVIDENCE BY REPORTERS

COMMISSION CONTINUES

ENQUIRY

(Received June 18, 10.35 pjn.)

MELBOURNE, June 18,

The Royal Commission which is enquiring into the shooting of Superintendent John O’Connell Brophy (chief of the Victorian Criminal Investigation Branch) continued its session to-day, when more evidence was given by reporters. Judge Macindoe is the commissioner, and Mr L. Stretton is assisting him. Robert Lawson, of the “Age,” produced shorthand notes of a statement made by Detective-Inspector McKerral on the morning after the shooting. He was confident that the statement by McKerral (produced in court) was not identical with the one issued to the press after the shooting. Reginald Warren, of the “SunNews Pictorial,” said he interviewed Brophy at the hospital. Brophy declared is was not true, as stated, in the “Herald,” that he was decoyed to Royal Park, and he was not shot there, Brophy added: “I went to the Royal parade on an official mission. I was standing alone, with a revolver in my left hand, which became sweaty. I made an attempt to change it to the right hand, and the weapon went off twice and wounded me in the right forearm and cheek.” Witness asked Brophy why the pistol went off twice. Brophy replied: “They are finely set.” The enquiry was adjourned.