BROPHY SHOOTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 June 1936, Page 7

BROPHY SHOOTING

STATEMENTS BY REPORTERS

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

MELBOURNE, June IS

At the Police Inquiry, more evidence was given by reporters to-day. Robert Lawson, of the “Age,” produced short-hand notes of a statement 'made by Detective-Inspector McKerrail on the morning following the shooting. He said he was confident that the statement by Inspector McKerrall produced in court was not identical with the one issued to the Press after the shooting. Reginald Warren, of the ‘‘Sun Pictorial." said that he interviewed Superintendent Brophy at St. Vincent’s Hospital. The Superintendent declared that it was not true, as was stated in the “Herald,” that he was decoyed to Royal Park, and that he was not shot there. Superintendent Brophy had added: “1 went to the Royal Parade on an official mission. I was standing alone with the revolver in my left hand, which became sweaty. I made an attempt to change it to the right hand, and the weapon exploded twice, and wounded me in ihe right forearm and cheek.” Witness had asked Superintendent Brophy why the pistol went off twice. Superintendent Brophy replied: “They are finely set.” The inquiry was adjourned.

JUDGE CRITICISES POLICE

(Rec. June 19 11.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, June 19

Strong criticism of the.police system in obtaining confessions from accused persons and using these in evidence, were uttered by Chief Justice Mann. Stating that an examination by the police of persons in custody may be, and often is carried to a most undesirable excess, the Chief Justice suggested that the powers of the police be greatly curtailed.