Patrick Mulhall, 1920
Below also see: Patrick Mulhall, 1929,
Reginald George Perry, 1934
Illawarra Mercury, Fri 2 Jan 1920 1
WEDDINGS
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On Saturday afternoon, December 20th, at St Francis Xavier Church, Wollongong, Miss May Purcell, second daughter of Mrs Purcell, of Thirroul, and the late Mr Patrick Purcell, of Mount Kembla, was united in holy wedlock to Mr Adam Frost, eldest son of Mr and Mrs A Frost, of Mount Kembla, the Very Rev J P Dunne, PP, VF, officiating. The bride was attended by Miss Kathleen Gallagher (cousin) as bridesmaid, and the bridegroom by Mr Sam Frost (brother) as best man. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr Placid Purcell, was dressed in ivory crepe de chene [sic–chine], hand embroidered, pearl and silver trimmings. She also wore a wreath and veil (kindly lent by Mrs D Egan, Mt. Kembla) arranged mob cap fashion, she also carried a bouquet of white carnations and asparagus ferns, with white satin streamers. The bridesmaid was attired in ivory crepe de chene, hand embroidered, with black aeroplane hat, trimmed with hand made posies and veaux [sic–mieux] rose ribbon. She also carried a bouquet of pink carnations, with pink satin streamers. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a diamond and pearl pendant, and to the bridesmaid a silver chain bag. After the ceremony the wedding party adjourned to Mrs Gallagher’s residence, “Loretto,” Fisher St, Wollongong, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of. The usual toasts were honoured. The wedding presents were many and costly, and were supplemented by cheques from parents of bride and bridegroom .The newly married couple travelled from Wollongong by the evening train, midst showers of confetti and good wishes. The bride’s travelling dress was saxe blue crepe de chene, with beaded trimmings and saxe blue crepe de chene hat to match. The honeymoon is being spent on the North Coast The motor arrangements were carried out by Mr P Mulhall.
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 30 Jan 1920 2
PORT KEMBLA NEWS.
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HOSPITAL CONTRIBUTORS.
Much interest attaches locally to the election of the Hospital Committee, which takes place shortly. In order to elucidate matters generally in connection with the Hospital, Mr Mulhall has been invited to address a meeting here on Sunday.
Many subscribers who anticipated the right of voting, have been disappointed, owing to their subscriptions not totalling 10/- each for the year, which is the required amount, to entitle a subscriber to vote. An effort is being hade to have the men on the ES & R Co., and MM Coy’s Works, raise their subscriptions to 3 pence per week, instead of 1½, per week, as at present.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 8 Oct 1920 3
WOLLONGONG COURT.
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To-Day (Friday).
George Thornton, an elderly man, was charged with maliciously injuring two mirrors and one plate glass 'window on October 4th, the property of John Michael O’Brien, of the Royal Alfred Hotel, Wollongong, doing damage to the extent of £15
Constable Williams deposed that on Eight-hours Day he received a telephone message and went to the Royal Alfred Hotel. There saw Mr Mulhall, who told him something. Got in motor and went in search of defendant; about 4 pm saw the defendant at Tattersall’s Hotel. Asked him if he was at the Royal Alfred Hotel that day. He replied he did not know. Then asked him if he broke the windows, and the mirror, and he replied “Yes, I did that for revenge, as some young man pulled my beard.”
John Michael O’Brien, of the Royal Alfred Hotel, deposed he estimated the damage at £15.
Patrick Mulhall, motor car proprietor, deposed he had just pulled his car up on the corner when he saw the defendant come out of the bar and strike up an argument with another man; the latter caught the defendant by the beard and gave him a bit of a shove; defendant fell against the window, which broke and fell in; he then went to the road, picked up stones, threw them at the mirrors, and broke them; he then ran away.
The SM: The breaking of the window was an accident?
Witness: Yes.
Defendant desired to plead guilty, but the SM said that owing to the amount involved he could do nothing but commit defendant to stand his trial at the Quarter Sessions on 1st November. Bail allowed, £50.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 12 Nov 1920 4
WOLLONGONG COURT.
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Monday.
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BREACH OF LICENSING LAW.
Patrick Mulhall pleaded guilty for a number of men to a charge of being on the licensed premises of the Balgownie Hotel on October 30th
Constable Frew stated he had found in an upstairs parlor of the hotel the defendants seated at a table with glasses in front of them, apparently containing beer. A daughter of the licensee was playing the piano; he had heard singing before he entered the hotel. When asked what they were doing there, the defendants made no reply. It was about 8.30 pm. He asked the licensee the same question, and he replied some of them had had tea. —Fined each 10/- or 8/- costs,
Thomas Rhodes, licensee, was charged with allowing these persons to be on the premises at an unlawful hour not for a lawful purpose. After some argument he pleaded guilty.
Inspector Blackburne, in answer to his Worship, stated that the house was fairly well conducted, but about five months before there was a complaint; police were sent out, but did not observe anything.
Defendant explained that when there was trouble at the mine be had taken the police into his house to stay; also, a son of his had been a loyalist worker; about half a dozen agitators had made the complaint; they had said they would do it when he took the hotel.
Fined 40/- and 8/- costs.
On a charge of allowing music and singing on his premises defendant was fined 10/- and 8/- costs.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 3 Aug 1923 5
WOLLONGONG COURT.
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To-Day (Friday).
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ALLEGED BETTING.
David William Gallagher (28), on remand from Kiama, was charged that on July 7th he was in Terralong-st, Kiama, for the purpose of betting (as 1 reported in another column).
Mr JW Russell for defendant; Mr R Kidston for the Crown.
The case was part heard at Kiama.
Dudley McMullen, a postal official at Wollongong, deposed he had known defendant about three months; saw defendant in Wollongong between a quarter past 10 and a quarter to 11 on the date of his arrest at Kiama; defendant was in conversation with witness and a man named O’Brien.
To Mr Kidston: It was about a fortnight ago that defendant asked witness to give evidence for him.
To the SM: It was since the case was heard at Kiama that defendant spoke to witness; Gallagher told witness he was going to Kiama on the 11 am train on the day he was arrested at Kiama. After that, witness ascertained by telephone that defendant had been arrested; that was about 3 pm.
Edward Scrivener, hairdresser, of Wollongong, deposed he saw defendant in his shop conversing with Mr Baker in the front shop just about 11 am on the day of his arrest.
Patrick Mulhall deposed that between 10 and 10.30 on the 7th, saw defendant near the Oxford Hotel, Wollongong; defendant asked him about driving him to Kiama, but witness said he had a private party to take there.
Lionel Hooper, a hairdresser, employed by Mr Walsh, deposed to shaving defendant at 10.30 on the morning of the 7th.
Patrick Gallagher, father of defendant, deposed that on the 7th he met his son in Wollongong about 11 am and drove him to the station to catch the train to Kiama.
Henry Edwards, a laborer of Wollongong, deposed to going to the train with Gallagher senr and defendant.
Mr Kidston said he had no further to offer.
The SM said that the evidence, for the prosecution was that defendant was seen at 11 am, and evidently a mistake had been made. He (the SM) wanted to be sure boynd [sic] all doubt before he would convict a man.
Case dismissed. Mr Russell asked for costs, but the SM said he was not quite satisfied a mistake had been made; he must refuse the application.
Patrick Mulhall, 1929
Illawarra Mercury, Fri 29 Jul 1927 6
PERSONAL.
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Congratulations to Mr Patrick Mulhall, of Wollongong, upon his appointment as a JP.
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 9 Nov 1928 7
WELL-KNOWN TOWNSMAN
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ARRESTED ON SERIOUS CHARGE.
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On Wednesday Patrick Mulhall, a well known resident of Wollongong, was charged before Mr Cobley, JP, at the Wollongong Police Court, with having committed a serious offence against a male person, viz., Solomon Goldberg.
A remand was granted until Monday next, bail allowed, self in £50, and one surety in £50.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 9 Nov 1928 8
SERIOUS CHARGES
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In the Wollongong Court on Saturday, before Mr Cobley, CPS,
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Patrick Mulhall, proprietor of a motor car for public hire, was on Wednesday brought before Mr Cobley, CPS and remanded till Monday next, on bail of £50, the charge alleging that he made indecent proposals to a male person.
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 16 Nov 1928 9
SERIOUS CHARGE.
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REMAND GRANTED.
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At the Wollongong Police Court on Monday Patrick Mulhall was charged that he did commit an indecent assault on Solomon Goldberg at Wollongong.
Mr Statham asked for a remand of fourteen days as it would not be possible to get an important witness for the defence before November 26th.
Inspector Gibson objected to a remand of 14 days as the prosecutor was a traveller, and had to be kept in the district. He wanted to be fair to the accused, but thought that another 7 days should be sufficient to prepare the defence.
Mr Statham: A most important witness cannot be here before November 26th—
Inspector Gibson: I know the witness you mean. He is whisky traveller.
Mr Statham: Yes. That is the man.
Inspector Gibson: Well the police could get him for you before the 26th.
Patrick Mulhall, motor proprietor, Wollongong, deposed that he was the accused, and that he wanted the remand to get a witness who was essential to the defence.
Mr Statham: It is a very serious charge, and my client should be able to get his witness.
Inspector Gibson: It is a serious offence, and the police can get the man for you, if you wish. It is unfair to our man to keep tied up here.
His Worship granted an adjournment for one week.
Defendant: And I will be able to get another adjournment next Monday?
His Worship: If necessary.
Defendant: Thank you, Your Worship. Naturally I want to get the matter finished with myself, as soon as possible.
Bail was allowed as before.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 16 Nov 1928 10
WOLLONGONG COURT
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Monday.
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(Before Mr Chapman, SM.)
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A SERIOUS CHARGE.
Patrick Mulhall was charged with indecent assault on a male person.
Mr Statham who appeared for the defendant, asked for a remand till November 26th, as one of his main witnesses was not available until that date.
Inspector Gibson strongly opposed the application and said his chief witness was a traveller who wanted to get back to work.
Evidence was then given by the defendant that his chief witness, a traveller, would not be in Sydney until November 22nd or 23rd.
Inspector Gibson said perhaps the police could get into touch with this witness.
Finally the SM agreed to a remand till next Monday, when if necessary, a further remand will be granted.
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 23 Nov 1928 11
SERIOUS CHARGE.
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P. MULHALL COMMITTED FOR
TRIAL.
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At the Wollongong Police Court on Monday Patrick Mulhall was charged that he did indecently assault Solomon Goldberg at Wollongong on November 5th.
Mr ER Abigail, and Mr Claude Statham, appeared for the Defendant.
Constable Jonas, Wollongong, deposed: At about 3 pm on November 7th, in company with Constable Russell, I saw defendant in Crown Street, Wollongong. I said to him “There has been a serious allegation made against a man answering your description. We are going to ask you some questions, and would like you to come to the Police Station.” He said “Get into my car, and I will run you up.” Constable Russell, the accused, and myself, then got into the motorcar No. 137412, and drove to the Police Station. At the Police Station I said to him “I want to know your movements between 6 pm and midnight, last Monday.” He said “I was driving a whisky traveller of the name of McDay around Wollongong hotels, most of the day. I left the Harp Hotel at about 4 o’clock, and went to other different hotels. I went home at about 6 pm and had my tea. I drove my brother-in-law back to Wollongong at about 7 pm, and left my car near Taylor’s corner. I walked about the Streets, bought a paper and went home between half past eight and nine, and did not return to Wollongong again that night.” I said “Did you see anyone when you went home?” He replied “No, I sleep on the verandah, and I went to bed as soon as I arrived home.” I said “Was your car at the Harp Hotel between 9.30 pm and 10 pm that night?” He said “No.” I said “Could anyone have driven it there without you knowing?” and he replied “No. It was never out of my possession that night.” I said “Did you pick up anyone wearing a hard hitter at Brickwood’s corner, and drive him to the Harp Hotel?” He said “No I did not. I did not drive anyone to the Harp that night.” I said “A man of the name of Goldberg says that he was picked up at Brickwood’s corner, driven to the Harp Hotel, and indecently assaulted in the car.” He said “I do not remember driving anyone to the Harp. If I did I was too drunk to remember.” I said “Did you go to Nowra on Tuesday?” and he said “Yes.” I said “Did you tell anyone that you were going to Nowra?” He said “No.” I said “Goldberg says that a man answering your description asked him to go to Nowra.” Constable Russell said to him “What was the last hotel you drove McDay to?” He replied “I don’t know. I had a lot of whisky that day.” Accused went on to say “If I did go there and do what this man says I did, I must have been drunk, and he should have stopped me before I went so far. If he says I was there, well I must have been there.” About 5.30 that afternoon accused was placed in a line with other men, and Goldberg picked him out and said “That is the man.”
Mr Abigail: Now where did you get your information—
Inspector Gibson: I object. The police—
Mr Abigail: Aren’t we touchy in Wollongong (laughter). I will probably have to ask Your Worship for protection from him (laughter). He was quite different in Liverpool. Well I won’t put the question now, I am frightened.
Constable Russell, Wollongong, deposed that Goldberg came to him in Crown Street, at about 11.15 pm on November 5th, and made a complaint. Later Goldberg made a statement at the Wollongong Police Station.
Solomon Goldberg, commercial traveller, Bondi, deposed: I was on Brickwood’s corner at 9.35 pm on November 5th. I crossed the road, and accused said “Good-night.” I turned round and said “Good-night. Oh, I beg your pardon, I am sorry.” Accused said “Oh, I thought you were a whisky traveller I knew. Do you know any ‘good sorts’?” I said “What do you mean ‘good sorts’?” He said “Where are you staying?” I said “The Harp Hotel.” He said “Get in to the car, and I will drive you round.” I got in and we drove to the hotel. We pulled up in front of the hotel, and accused got out of the car, and got back into the car with his clothing unbuttoned. (The evidence at this stage was revolting, and quite unprintable). Accused said “It’s all right.” I said “It is all wrong to me.” He said “What is the number of your room?” I said “No. 11.” He said “Can I come up?” I said “What for?” Witness then detailed suggestions which he said had been made to him by defendant. The portion of the evidence that followed was revolting and quite unprintable.
Mr Abigail: Did you hit defendant?
Witness: Certainly not.
Mr Abigail: Where do you come from?
Witness: I have been in this country for 17 years. I was born in London.
Mr Abigail: Whereabouts in London? What part of the East end?
Witness: I was born in the West End.
Mr Abigail: Oh, indeed. What part of the West End?
Witness: I refuse to answer.
Mr Abigail: Come now. I am interested in your West End address.
After much discussion witness said that he was born in Marylebone 34 years previously.
Mr Abigail: Didn’t you tell Sam Davies that if he helped you in this case it would be worth his while as you would then take an action for damages against my client?
Witness: No. Certainly not.
Mr Abigail: Do you drink?
Witness: No. Certainly not, and I have never had a drink in my life.
Mr Abigail: Now, don’t you think you are being a little hard on my client?
Witness: No, certainly not. He is a gentleman of the lowest type (laughter).
Mr Abigail: Now. Didn’t you get into the car hoping something of the kind you have described to us this morning?
Witness: Do you think I am the sort of a man who would get into a car if I knew the sort of man he was?
Mr Abigail: Yes.
Witness: Be careful what you are saying Mr Abigail, I will have you up for defamation of character.
Mr Abigail: You haven’t got any character.
Witness: I will have you up.
Mr Abigail: Now, don’t frighten me. You asked me a question, and I just answered it. Now tell me how you would describe the accused?
Witness: He is a maniac.
Mr Abigail: I would like you to describe his appearance.
Witness: A tall man with a red face, and a scar, and you can’t mistake that type of man (laughter). He wore a blue serge suit, a butterfly, collar, and was smoking a cigar.
Mr Abigail: Why didn’t you get out of the car?
Witness: Because I kept my wits about me. I was going to give him in charge, and I gave him enough rope to hang himself.
Mr Abigail: Did you ever read anything like this story of yours in the papers?
Witness: No.
Mr Abigail (sitting down): No, and I don’t think anyone else has either.
Image: NSW State Library collection. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
Mr Abigail contended that the information should be dismissed, and made a strong attack on Goldberg, whom he characterised as a “sex maniac,” and “an unfortunate creature.” He said that it was impossible to say how often Goldberg had indulged in this sort of behaviour, and that it would be a tragedy if a man was to be sent for trial on the evidence of a degenerate.
His Worship: The story is a remarkable one, but I certainly think that a prima facie case has been made out.
Mr Abigail called for a witness, but the man in question was not at the Court.
When formally charged accused said “I plead not guilty.”
Accused was committed to stand his trial at the next Wollongong Quarter Sessions, bail being allowed as before.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 23 Nov 1928 12
A SERIOUS CHARGE.
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COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.
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Image: NSW State Library collection. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
Patrick Mulhall appeared before Mr Chapman, SM, at the Wollongong Court, on Monday last, to answer a charge that he did, at Wollongong, on 5th November last, commit an indecent assault upon Solomon Goldberg.
Inspector Gibson prosecuted on behalf of the police.
Mr ER Abigail (Sydney), instructed by Mr C Statham (Owen and Son) appeared for the defence.
The Court was crowded throughout the morning, while in the afternoon the accommodation was so taxed that hundreds were unable to gain admittance.
The police had some difficulty in keeping the crowd from laughing aloud at many of the questions put by Mr Abigail to the chief witness, Mr Goldberg.
Constable Jonas stated that about 3 pm on November 7th, in company with Constable Russell, he saw the accused in Crown street, Wollongong, and said “There has been a serious allegation made against a man answering your description, and we want to ask you some questions.” Accused replied “What is it?” and witness said “I’ll tell you when we get to the police station.” Accused then said “Get in my car and I’ll drive you up.” Witness and Constable Russell got into the car and were driven to the police station, where witness asked the accused re his movements between 6 pm and midnight on the previous Monday. He replied “I was driving a whisky traveller, McDade, around the hotels in Wollongong; we left the Harp Hotel about 4 pm and went to different hotels; I went home at six o’clock and had my tea; I drove my brother-in-law to Wollongong about 7 pm. I left my car near Taylor’s corner and waited about the street; I then bought a paper and went home between 8.30 and 9 o’clock; I did not return to town that night.” In answer to witness, the accused said he did not see anyone when he went home. He denied that his car was at the Harp Hotel between 9 and 9.30 that night. The accused denied picking up a man wearing a hard-hitter hat at Brickwood’s corner and driving him to the Harp Hotel. He also denied having spoken to any such man. Witness said “A man by the name of Goldberg says he was picked up at Brickwood’s corner by a man answering your description, driven to the Harp Hotel and indecently assaulted in the car.” Accused said “I don’t remember driving anyone to the Harp Hotel, but if I did I must have been too drunk to remember.” The accused said he did not tell anyone he was going to Nowra the following day.
Constable Russell then said “What hotel did you drive McDade to?” Accused replied “I don’t remember. I was drinking whisky and had had a lot that day.” Constable Russell then said “Would it have been possible to have picked up a man at Brickwood’s corner and driven him to the Harp Hotel?” He replied “If I did go there and did as this man says, I must have been mad drunk.” About 5.30 pm on the same day, the accused was placed in a line with ten other men, when Goldberg identified him as the man who committed the assault. When charged, the accused made no reply.
By Mr Abigail: Had known Mr Goldberg for about a week; he comes from Bondi; the description given me was “A man about 45 years of age, big build, about six feet tall and very red faced.” I was given his description about 10 am on the Tuesday, but although I saw the accused that night I did not attempt to stop him.
Mr Abigail: Would you tell the court where you were on Wednesday at 6 pm? I could not say.
Well, where were you last Friday week at 4 o’clock in the afternoon? I couldn’t say.
In answer to further questions witness said he would have to refresh his memory to answer such questions.
The accused was a busy man, added the witness, and inquiries showed he and McDade were about together on the Monday afternoon. When Goldberg made the complaint, he gave the time of the assault as about 10 o’clock.
In answer to Inspector Gibson, witness said Goldberg gave them the number of the car and also a description of the man.
Constable Russel stated Goldberg made the complaint to him in Crown street at 11.15 pm on Monday. Goldberg was then taken to the police station where he made a statement. In consequence of this statement, witness and Constable Jonas interviewed the accused on the Wednesday.
In answer to Mr Abigail, witness said that Goldberg was quite sober on the Monday night, but seemed a bit excited.
Mr Abigail: Did you make a mental note of the number of the car? “Yes.” Well, what is the number of the PD [Police Department ?] car? I don’t know, replied witness.
Mr Abigail, sotto voice—A mental note is not worth the paper it is written on. (Laughter).
Solomon Goldberg, commercial traveller, of Dudley street, Bondi, stated he arrived at Wollongong about 5 pm on November 5th. He had dinner at the Harp Hotel and came into the street about 6.30 pm. He stopped at Brickwood’s corner and someone, a man; said “Good-night.” Witness turned round and said “Good-night, I beg your pardon, I’m sorry,” The man said “Oh, I thought you were a little whisky traveller I knew.” The man who spoke to witness was accused. Accused said “Do you know any good sorts?” Witness asked him what he meant. He then said “Where are you staying?” and witness replied “The Harp Hotel.” Accused said “Get in the car and I’ll drive you down there.” They drove to the hotel and the car was pulled up outside the hotel. The accused got out of the car but returned almost immediately and committed an offence. Witness said “What’s the game,: and accused said “Oh, it’s all right.” Witness said “Oh, it seems all wrong to me.” In answer to accused, witness said the number of the room was eleven. The accused asked witness to open the gate so that he could put “Lizzie” (the car) in. He also asked how many beds were in the room and witness replied “One.” The accused remarked he lived two miles out of town and did not have a bed to go to. When asked why he wanted to come up to the room the accused “Oh, I’ll show you.
The description given by the witness was a sordid story. The witness stated accused kissed him several times.
He kept on saying “Let me come up to your room.” Witness told accused he was going up the street to have a soft drink before he went to bed. They then drove up the street and when outside Taylor’s shop witness said “I want to get out here.” The accused said “No, let me drive you where it is dark.” They drove on to Marcus Clark’s and as witness was getting out of the car and went down the street and saw Constable Russell to whom he made a complaint. The accused smelt of liquor but was not drunk. The accused also asked witness where the next town was he was off to, and witness said “Oh I think I’m going to Nowra on Wednesday or Thursday.” Accused said “Oh I wish you were coming along with me, I’m going to Nowra.”
The witness and Mr Abigail got in to wordy holts early and in answer to the SM witness said it appeared to him Mr Abigail considered him a strange kind of man.
By Mr Abigail: The offence lasted about three quarters of an hour; I have not brought this case to advertise myself; this was my first trip to Wollongong, and I have been in Australia for 17 years; did not say to Mr Montague “if I can get additional evidence and win the case I can get a couple of hundred pounds out of this man.”
When asked if he had made a similar remark to Sam Davies, the witness strongly denied it. He also denied having had any liquor on the day in question; Witness was of opinion accused was a gentleman—of the lowest type; did not get out of the car as soon as they arrived because I said I wanted to have a soft drink before I went to bed; I didn’t get out of the car because I was quite comfortable, and also I was very tired.
Mr Abigail had several tilts at the witness, and, in answer to the latter’s heated question “What do you think I am?” Mr Abigail replied ‘Oh you know.
In reply to Mr Abigail, witness said he did not take the number of the car when he went up the street early in the evening as he did not know him then, unfortunately.
“Oh, unfortunately, eh,” said Mr Abigail.
“I would described the accused as a tall man, grey at both sides, and he has a scar, I think, on one cheek,” added the witness. My idea of allowing the accused to carry on was that if he got enough rope he would hang himself. I was frightened to hit him in the car, in case I broke a window or did some other damage.
Mr Abigail: What was your idea in allowing this thing to go on?
Witness: I am a man; I allowed him to carry on, so as to have him arrested and thus protect the little boys and girls of Wollongong; I knew I could give him in charge.
Mr Abigail: Have you ever read of any case like this one in one of the newspapers? No.
Mr Abigail: And I don’t think anyone else has.
William Hugh Lynch, waterside worker, residing at the Harp Hotel, stated he arrived home about 10 pm on the night in question. He had just returned from work and was accompanied by other men. He noticed a black Sedan car outside the hotel. The accused, Pat Mulhall, was sitting in the car, and there was another man in the car wearing a hard-hitter hat.
Kenneth Douglas Smythe, waterside worker, residing at the Harp Hotel gave corroborative evidence.
This was the police case.
In submitting there was no case to answer, Mr Abigail said the story told be Goldberg was both extravagant and absurd, with not an atom to support it. The story was one of the most ridiculous ever told in any Court, he said. He claimed that no jury would convict, as the whole thing was beneath the dignity of any Court. Under such conditions, no man was safe, and in this instance tragedy became a comedy.
The SM said although the story was a remarkable one, he considered a prima facie case had been made out.
When charged, accused pleaded “Not Guilty.”
He was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions. Bail allowed as before, self in £50, or one in £50.
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 8 Mar 1929 13
CASES ADJOURNED.
At the Wollongong quarter Sessions on Thursday, cases in which Patrick Mulhall was charged with indecent assault upon a male person, and Walter Tyson Eagles with wantonly driving a motor car, were remanded until next Quarter Sessions on the application of Mr Abigail, who appeared for both accused.
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CASE POSTPONED.
Patrick Mulhall pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting Solomon Goldberg, at Wollongong, on November 3, and the case was remanded to Wollongong Quarter Sessions on June 4. Bail was allowed in self in £50, and one other in £50.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 8 Mar 1929 14
QUARTER SESSIONS
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(Continued From Another Page.)
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CASES ADJOURNED TILL NEXT
SESSIONS.
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MULHALL AND EAGLES.
On the application of Mr ER Abigail, and with the consent of the Crown Prosecutor (Mr Crawford), the cases against Patrick Mulhall (indecent assault), and Walter Tyson Eagles (inflicting bodily harm by wantonly driving a car at Bulli) were adjourned till next court
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 7 Jun 1929 15
THE MULHALL CASE.
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At Quarter Sessions.
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Verdict of Guilty.
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At the Wollongong Quarter Sessions on Tuesday, before His Honor Judge White, Patrick Mulhall was charged with a serious offence in connection with a male person, Solomon Goldberg.
Jury: CR Wellington, Harold Buckland, EH Howes, EJ Lovelock, JA Downie, JH Brown, RC Floyd, HE Hammond, EL Smith, RAS Yeldon, EH Hayes, Geo Wood.
The Crown challenged two jurymen, and the accused three.
Mr ER Abigail appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty, and Mr Crawford for the Crown.
(This case already been reported in these columns).
Constable Jonas, Wollongong, deposed that he, in company with Constable Russell, interviewed accused in connection with the alleged offence. Accused said that he was driving a man named McDade, [sic] a whisky traveller, on the day in question, and denied the allegation that he had driven a man named Goldberg to the Harp Hotel, Wollongong, on the evening of that day. Accused added “If I did drive him there I must have been mad drunk, and he should have stopped me before I went too far; if I did what this man says I did.” Later accused was identified by Goldberg as the man who committed the alleged offence.
Constable Russell, Wollongong, gave corroborative evidence, and said it was to him that Goldberg had made a certain complaint.
Solomon Goldberg, commercial traveller, Bondi, deposed that at about 9.30 pm on the day in question he was stopped by the accused, who said “I thought you were a little whisky traveller I know.” After further conversation during which witness said, in answer to a question, that he was staying at the Harp Hotel, accused offered to drive him to that hotel. Witness got into the car and accused drove down to the front of the hotel. It was when the car pulled up in front of the hotel that the alleged offence took place. A little later accused drove witness back to the top of Crown St., and when he was getting out, accused made another obscene action and drove off. Witness was able to take a note of the number of the car. Witness then saw Constable Russell, and told him something.
About this stage His Honor ordered the gallery which was crowded with men and youths, to be cleared, as the occupants were tittering at certain of the more unsavoury portions of the evidence. His Honor added “It is bad enough to have to listen to this sort of thing, without having audible titters from the public.
William Hugh Lynch, waterside worker, Wollongong, deposed that he resided at the Harp Hotel, Wollongong. On the day in question he passed within a couple of yards of the car at about 9.50 pm or 10 pm, and saw the accused, and a man looking like the witness Goldberg, sitting in the front seat.
Kenneth Douglas Smythe, waterside worker, residing at Harp Hotel, Wollongong, gave evidence corroborative of that of the previous witness.
The Defence—
Fergus Harvey McDade, commercial traveller, deposed that accused drove him from one hotel to another, from 4 pm to 6 pm. Accused again drove him from about 8 pm to 10 pm. He could not get an answer at the Harp Hotel at about 10 pm, and he sat in the car talking to accused. He initially left accused at the Freemason’s Hotel at about 10.40 pm.
To Mr Crawford: I might have been at Clarke’s Hotel at about 8 pm, but I was not there at 8.30 pm. I was drinking with other men, and I don’t remember times exactly.
James McLennan, retired Police inspector, gave evidence as to the good character of the accused.
Patrick Mulhall, deposed that he had been fined for being on licensed premises, and that was his only conviction. Witness Goldberg had never been in his (accused’s) car to his knowledge, and there was no truth in the allegations made.
To Mr Crawford: I now say that my car was at the Harp Hotel that night but that McDade was in it, not the witness Goldberg.
At this stage accused was shown two names on a piece of paper.
Mr Crawford: Have you not summarily misconducted yourself with those men?
Accused: No. I don’t think those men have ever been in my car.
Constable Russell (recalled) deposed that he saw McDade in the private bar at Clarke’s Hotel between 8 pm and 9 pm on the day in question.
Aubrey Frederick Dingwall, Wollongong, deposed that he knew the accused, and had been out with him in a car 13 years previously. On that occasion accused made certain indecent suggestions to him.
Accused [Patrick Mulhall] (recalled) denied that he was the owner of a car 13 years previously.
At 6.15 pm His Honor adjourned until Wednesday morning for the summing up. The jury having tea at the Court before retiring to their homes for the night.
WEDNESDAY.
His Honor summed up, and the jury retired at 10.30 am.
The jury, after a retirement of seven hours, brought in a verdict of guilty with a strong recommendation to mercy on account of the attitude of the principal witness for the Crown.
Ald. T Keirnan (Mayor of Wollongong), John Michael O’Brien, hotel keeper, Alfred Brickwood, jeweller, and Roy Rugeney Ford, garage proprietor, all gave a most excellent character, and said he was generally esteemed.
Constable Russell, Wollongong, stated that Mulhall was a reputed opium smuggler, and a man with a very bad moral reputation.
His Honor said he gave every consideration to the evidence as to character, and the recommendation of the jury, and imposed a sentence of twelve months hard labour.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 7 Jun 1929 16
QUARTER SESSIONS
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WOLLONGONG, Tuesday.
(Before His Honor Judge White.)
Mr Crawford, Crown Prosecutor.
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…
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A SERIOUS CHARGE.
Patrick Mulhall was charged with indecently assaulting Solomon Goldberg, at Wollongong on November 5th, 1928.
He pleaded not guilty and was defended by Mr ER Abigail.
Mr Crawford appeared for the Crown.
Jury—Colin R Wellington, H Buckland, EH Howes, EJ Lovelock, JA Downie, JH Brown, RC Floyd, HE Hammond, EL Smith, RA Yeldon, EH Hayes, G Wood. The accused challenged three, and the Crown two jurors.
Constable Jonas state he and Constable Russell saw the accused on November 7th, and questioned him regarding the allegations made by Goldberg. The accused said he was driving a traveller about the hotels on November 5th, and returned home at 6 pm. He came back into town about 7, and went home again at 8.30 pm. He denied having picked up a man wearing a hard hitter hat. When told of Goldberg’s allegations the accused said he remembered nothing about it, and if he had done such a thing he must have been mad drunk. Later that day the accused was identified by Goldberg.
Constable Russell stated Goldberg made the complaint to him and later made a statement, and subsequently witness and Constable Jonas interviewed the accused.
Solomon Goldberg, commercial traveller, of Bondi, stated he was outside Brickwood’s on the evening of November 5th, about 9.30, and was spoken to by accused who asked several questions including “Where are you staying?” and “Do you know any good sorts.” He then offered to drive witness home, so witness got into the car and was driven to the Harp Hotel. Witness was sitting in the front seat with the accused when the latter, who had his clothing disarranged, committed the indecency. Witness complained of the action, but the accused persisted in his actions, and said he would like to come up to his (witness’) room. Later witness was driven up the street by the accused, and as he got out the car he wrote the number down in his book. Later he saw Constable Russell, and subsequently made a statement at the police station. That was about 10.30 pm.
During Mr Alibail’s [sic] cross-examination the crowded gallery broke into laughter on two occasions, and His Honor then ordered it to be cleared.
Witness, cross-examined by Mr Abigail, denied having offered Sam Davies, the ironfounder £100 to come as a witness against that big —— (meaning the accused). Don McDonald, a friend of witness, introduced him to Sam Davies.
Mr Abigail: I suggest that you and Don McDonald were up against it, and were trying to raise the wind?—No, that is absolutely wrong.
In answer to Mr Abigail witness detailed the conversation he had with the accused. This was a revolting nature a was also the allegations made by witness.
When the accused kissed you on the cheek did you punch him?—No, I told him to go away.
Were you frightened?—Yes I was very much afraid he would do me an injury.
Witness denied ever having had a similar experience to the one he had just recently described.
Witness denied ever having had a similar experience to the one he had just recently described.
William Hugh Lynch, waterside worker, residing at the Harp Hotel, stated he arrived home about 10 pm on November 5th, with two others. They noticed a sedan car outside the hotel and recognised the accused sitting in it. Goldberg, he thought, was the other inmate, both were in the front seat.
Kenneth Douglas Smythe, waterside worker, stated he also recognized the accused in the car that night.
For the defence.
FH McDade, commercial traveller, stated the accused was driving him to the various hotels on the afternoon and evening of November 5th. Witness was driving in from Figtree about 9.30 pm arriving at the Harp Hotel about 9.50 pm. Witness went in to see the licensee, but could not see him, so they sat outside in the car for some time, and finally drove off about 10.30 pm. Another car stopped at the Harp Hotel while witness was waiting.
Questioned by Mr Crawford, witness said he did not remember being at Clarke’s Hotel between 8 and 9 £,. The accused was perfectly sober that night.
JR McLennan, late Inspector of Police at Wollongong, gave evidence as to character.
Patrick Mulhall, the accused, denied the allegations made by Goldberg. When first questioned by the police witness could not remember all his movements, as he was rather flurried and upset. Mr McDade was a whiskey traveller, and witness was driving him around the hotels.
In answer to Mr Crawford witness said he had forgotten some of his movements that night when first questioned by the police. He remembered telling the police he had not driven anyone to the Harp Hotel. He denied having told them he had had a lot of drink that day.
Mr Crawford then handed up a piece of paper with two names on it. Witness admitted knowing these two men, but denied having indecently assaulted either of them; in fact, he said, he did not think either of them had ever been in his car.
Constable Russell, re-called, stated he saw Mr McDade in the private bar of the Crown Hotel after 8 pm on November 5th.
Frederick Dingwall was called at Mr Crawford’s request, but he did not appear, although Mr Crawford intimated that he had been in the precincts of the Court a few minutes previously.
Later, when Mr Abigail was addressing the jury, the witness arrived in Court. He stated he knew the accused pretty well. About 13 years ago he had been out in the car with the accused when the latter invited him for a drive, and said he had a couple of “good sorts” to meet. They went to North Wollongong where, witness said, the accused made certain suggestions, but witness, after giving him a back-hander across the mouth, got out of the car and walked home.
Witness was questioned by Mr Abigail, and admitted having been convicted for several offences in the police court.
Mr Abigail: I suppose you are now seeking police aid?—No! And I always try and keep out of their way.
The defendant [Patrick Mulhall] was re-called, and denied having a motor car 13 years ago; he also denied ever having taken Dingwall out in his car. Witness went on to say that once Dingwall stopped him and asked for a loan of 2/- for a feed. That was forthcoming, but was never paid back.
After a retirement of seven hours the jury returned to court with a verdict of guilty with a strong recommendation to mercy on the grounds of the attitude of the principal Crown witness on the night of the offence.
The accused was remanded for sentence.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 8 Jun 1929 17
COUNTRY NEWS.
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WOLLONGONG QUARTER SESSIONS.
Wollongong, Friday.
At the Quarter Sessions, Patrick Mulhall was found guilty of an offence against a male person and was sentenced to twelve months’ hard labour.
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Illawarra Mercury, Fri 30 Aug 1929 18
ALLEGED HORSE
STEALING.
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The following notice appeared in the Government Gazette: The Governor-in-Council has approved of the removal of the name of Patrick Mulhall, Mercury Street, Wollongong, from the Commission of the Peace for the State of New South Wales.
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Patrick Mulhall, Gaol photo sheet 19
![12 SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6124], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 21 Mar 1929-8 Aug 1929, No. 23874, p. 216.](../../images/trials/1929-Mulhall-6124-gaol-photo-23874.jpg "12 SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6124], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 21 Mar 1929-8 Aug 1929, No. 23874, p. 216.") |
Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details
No. 23874
Date when Portrait was taken: 8-6-1929
Name: Patrick Mulhall
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Native place: Bundaberg Queensland Year of birth: 3-4-1882 Arrived Ship: Trade or occupation Religion: R. C. Education, degree of: R & W Height: 6' 1" Weight On committal: 191 Colour of hair: Brown to grey Colour of eyes: Grey |
Marks or special features: Scar on right cheek, scar outside right knee & shin. Hernia scar left groin left little finger badly contracted |
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(No. of previous Portrait ... ) CONVICTIONS |
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| Where and When | Offence. | Sentence | |||
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Wollongong Q.S Supplied by Police |
6
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6
|
1929
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Indecent assault on a male person
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12 months HL
|
Reginald George Perry, 1934
Illawarra Mercury, Fri 21 Sep 1934 20
CORONER'S COURT
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Death of Mrs Potts.
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At the Coroner’s Court, held at the Court House, Wollongong, on Monday, touching the death of Mrs Potts, the Deputy Coroner, Mr SR Musgrave, presided.
Segt Cahill appeared for the police.
Dr HH Lee deposed that on September 7th he was crossing Keira St, towards his surgery about 7 pm, when an accident occurred, but he did not actually see the accident, as his back was turned, but he was within a few yards of it. Somebody called him and he went back, and the injured woman was being taken from under the car. He examined her briefly, and ordered her removal to the Wollongong Hospital, where he further examined her, and found she was suifering from a fractured skull. Her injury was caused by the back of her head striking the bitumen roadway. She had no other injury, and her body showed no evidence of the wheels having passed over her. Being so very close to the scene of the accident and not hearing any sound would indicate to him that the car was not going at any speed. He considered the driver did not make the turn at any speed.
Reginald George Perry, a fitter and turner, residing at Gladstone Avenue, deposed: On Friday night, Sept. 7th, at 7 o’clock, I was driving a motor car along Keira Street in a northerly direction; I was travelling at from 12 to 15 mph. As I was in the act of turning into Market St I noticed another car travelling along Keira St in a southerly direction, I slowed down my car to allow the other car to pass, and when it passed me I continued to turn into Market Street. Just as I was in alignment with Keira Street, the car struck a woman; she was within three or four feet of the car when I first noticed her. She came into my vision from behind the car which had just passed. I applied the brakes and pulled up, but was not able to avoid hitting the woman; the radiator struck her on the chest, and she fell back and struck her head on the roadway. The car stopped just as I struck her. Constable Lyons came on the scene immediately afterwards, and assisted me to remove the woman, who was lying in front of the front axle. Dr Lee arrived and ordered the woman to the hospital. The street lighting in the vicinity of where the accident occurred is very bad.
To the Deputy Coroner: When Constable Lyons came on the scene he said the woman was Mrs Potts, and I then recognised her as Mrs Potts, whom I had known for many years at Lithgow.
Patrick Mulhall, residing at Mercury St., Wollongong, deposed that he saw the car driven by Perry turn into Market St., and noticed by the headlights that a woman stepped in front of the car, the radiator of which appeared to strike her on the chest, and she fell backwards and her head struck the roadway. The car stopped as it struck the woman.
To the Deputy Coroner: I am an experienced motor driver, and in my opinion, the driver of the car did everything possible to avoid an accident. In the space at his disposal it would not have been possible for the driver of the car to avoid striking the woman.
Constable Lyons deposed: About 7 pm on September 7th I was walking along Market St on the middle of the road, and when about 20 yards from Keira Street I passed the deceased who was walking along Market St in a westerly direction. She was about three feet from the crown of the road on the wrong side. A few seconds later I heard a scream and turned sharply and saw the form of a woman falling in front of a motor car. I found that the woman was Mrs Potts, and the driver was Reginald George Perry. After the woman had been removed to the hospital I said to Perry “Can you tell me anything about the accident?” He replied “I did not see the lady until she was right in front of the car.” I examined the place where the accident occurred and there were no skid marks. There were no marks on the car.
To the Deputy Coroner: The lighting is very bad in the locality where the accident occurred. I know the deceased was short sighted, and she was walking very fast.
A verdict of death from a fractured skull, as the result of injuries accidentally received was returned by the Deputy Coroner, who said he attached no blame to Reginald Perry.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 21 Sep 1934 21
CORONER'S COURT
At Wollongong Courthouse on Monday, the Deputy Coroner, (Mr SR Musgrave, JP) concluded the inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs Florence May Potts, who died in Wollongong Hospital on September 8th, after being injured in a motor accident the previous evening.
Evidence of identity was given last week by a son of deceased, John Potts, of Lithgow.
Dr Lee stated he was walking across to his surgery about 7 pm, when the accident occurred. He did not actually see it, but attended the woman immediately. She sustained a fractured skull and had a large bruise at the back of the head. She died in Wollongong Hospital the following morning. There were no signs that the wheels of the car had passed over her body.
Reginald George Perry, a fitter and turner, of Osborne st., Wollongong stated he was driving his car in a northerly direction along Keira st. The speed would be about 12 miles per hour. Just as he was turning into Market street he noticed a car coming south along Keira street. Witness slowed to allow this car to pass and then he continued to turn into Market street. He noticed the woman when she was three or four feet away, she having come into his vision after the other car had passed. He applied the brakes but the radiator of the car struck the woman on the chest, throwing her backwards on to the bitumen road. The car stopped just as it struck her. She was lying under the radiator and front axle. Constable Lyons and witness removed her from under the car and Dr Lee came over and made an examination, after which she was removed to hospital.
In answer to the Coroner, witness said when Constable Lyons told him the woman was Mrs Potts, he remembered he had known her in Lithgow. The two families were on quite friendly relations.
Patrick Mulhall, garage assistant, of Mercury street, stated he was standing near the intersection when the accident occurred. His evidence was in support of that given by Perry. He said in his opinion Perry did everything possible to avoid the accident.
Constable Lyons stated just prior to the accident he had passed Mrs Potts who was walking along Market street, in a westerly direction. When questioned, Perry said he had intended to pull up in Market street, opposite Spence’s store. The lighting in that locality was bad. Witness considered Perry’s car must have been travelling at a slow speed. He knew Mrs Potts was very short sighted and she was walking very fast.
In returning a verdict of accidental death, the Deputy Coroner said no blame could be attached to Perry.
1 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 2 Jan 1920, p. 4. Emphasis added.
2 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 30 Jan 1920, p. 6. Emphasis added.
3 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 8 Oct 1920, p. 11. Emphasis added.
4 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 12 Nov 1920, p. 8. Emphasis added.
5 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 3 Aug 1923, p. 13. Emphasis added.
6 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 29 Jul 1927, p. 9.
7 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 9 Nov 1928, p. 9.
8 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 9 Nov 1928, p. 17.
9 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 16 Nov 1928, p. 2. Emphasis added.
10 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 16 Nov 1928, p. 25.
11 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 23 Nov 1928, p. 4. Emphasis added.
12 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 23 Nov 1928, p. 6. Emphasis added.
13 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 8 Mar 1929, pp. 11, 12. Emphasis in original document.
14 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 8 Mar 1929, p. 14. Emphasis added.
15 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 7 Jun 1929, p. 12. Some emphasis added.
16 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 7 Jun 1929, p. 11.
17 The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 8 Jun 1929, p. 16.
18 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 30 Aug 1929, p. 6. Emphasis added.
19 SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6124], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 21 Mar 1929-8 Aug 1929, No. 23874, p. 216.
20 Illawarra Mercury, (Wollongong, NSW), Fri 21 Sep 1934, p. 1. Emphasis added.
21 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 21 Sep 1934, p. 11. Emphasis added.