In March 1892, Melbourne Butcher John Stamford took a prospective tenant to a house he owned at 57 Andrew Street Windsor. He noticed a 'disagreeable smell' coming from the front rooms. Suspecting foul play, Stamford called the police who quickly discovered a decomposing body and partially clad body of a young woman in a shallow grave under the fireplace. 'Her skull had been shattered and her throat cut'. Two detectives, Sergeants Considine and Cawsey, began investigations. The previous tenant, a 'Mr. Druin' who had rented the house had since disappeared was the main suspect. 'Druin' had arrived in Australia from England as 'Albert Williams' in December 1891 with his 24 year old wife Emily Mather. The body was Emily's. The crime scene investigation proved difficult as the suspect - whatever his real name- had cleaned up the scene very carefully. Much later it was discovered that the suspect was in fact Frederick Bayley Deeming, a former sailor born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1854. In 1881, Deeming deserted his ship and lived in Sydney where he married and had a family. Deeply in debt, he later burned his business down to claim its insurance value and fled to South Africa before he could be arrested. He is believed to have committed numerous frauds and murders in Africa. Eventually found in Uruguay, he spent time in prison in England for fraud. After being released he married Emily and returned to Australia. After leaving England, British police began investigating him over the murder of Mrs Marie Deeming and her four children. Now using another alias, 'Baron Swanston', Deeming was arrested in Western Australia before he left the country in the company of a young woman, Kate Rounsefell, whom he planned to marry. It seems Kate would have been his next murder victim. Brought back to Victoria, in May 1892, Deeming went on trail for the murder of Emily Mather. Despite a strong defense conducted by a brilliant young barrister and 3 times Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, the evidence against Deeming was overwhelming and he was found guilty. Deeming was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 23 May 1892. He was known to be responsible for at least 6 murders and may have committed others. Black and white photograph backed onto black backing board showing a man in a long coat and top hat with his hands in his pockets and a moustachefrederick deeming, emily mather, murders

In March 1892, Melbourne Butcher John Stamford took a prospective tenant to a house he owned at 57 Andrew Street Windsor. He noticed a 'disagreeable smell' coming from the front rooms. Suspecting foul play, Stamford called the police who quickly discovered a decomposing body and partially clad body of a young woman in a shallow grave under the fireplace. 'Her skull had been shattered and her throat cut'. Two detectives, Sergeants Considine and Cawsey, began investigations. The previous tenant, a 'Mr. Druin' who had rented the house had since disappeared was the main suspect. 'Druin' had arrived in Australia from England as 'Albert Williams' in December 1891 with his 24 year old wife Emily Mather. The body was Emily's. The crime scene investigation proved difficult as the suspect - whatever his real name- had cleaned up the scene very carefully. Much later it was discovered that the suspect was in fact Frederick Bayley Deeming, a former sailor born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1854. In 1881, Deeming deserted his ship and lived in Sydney where he married and had a family. Deeply in debt, he later burned his business down to claim its insurance value and fled to South Africa before he could be arrested. He is believed to have committed numerous frauds and murders in Africa. Eventually found in Uruguay, he spent time in prison in England for fraud. After being released he married Emily and returned to Australia. After leaving England, British police began investigating him over the murder of Mrs Marie Deeming and her four children. Now using another alias, 'Baron Swanston', Deeming was arrested in Western Australia before he left the country in the company of a young woman, Kate Rounsefell, whom he planned to marry. It seems Kate would have been his next murder victim. Brought back to Victoria, in May 1892, Deeming went on trail for the murder of Emily Mather. Despite a strong defense conducted by a brilliant young barrister and 3 times Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, the evidence against Deeming was overwhelming and he was found guilty. Deeming was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 23 May 1892. He was known to be responsible for at least 6 murders and may have committed others. Black and white photograph backed onto black board showing a lady in dark clothing and hat resting with her right elbow on the arm of a lounge. Woman is holding a small sprig of flowers in her left handEmily Lydia Mather. Murdered by Deeming 1892 (in black ink along top of photograph)frederick deeming, emily mather, murders

In March 1892, Melbourne Butcher John Stamford took a prospective tenant to a house he owned at 57 Andrew Street Windsor. He noticed a 'disagreeable smell' coming from the front rooms. Suspecting foul play, Stamford called the police who quickly discovered a decomposing body and partially clad body of a young woman in a shallow grave under the fireplace. 'Her skull had been shattered and her throat cut'. Two detectives, Sergeants Considine and Cawsey, began investigations. The previous tenant, a 'Mr. Druin' who had rented the house had since disappeared was the main suspect. 'Druin' had arrived in Australia from England as 'Albert Williams' in December 1891 with his 24 year old wife Emily Mather. The body was Emily's. The crime scene investigation proved difficult as the suspect - whatever his real name- had cleaned up the scene very carefully. Much later it was discovered that the suspect was in fact Frederick Bayley Deeming, a former sailor born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1854. In 1881, Deeming deserted his ship and lived in Sydney where he married and had a family. Deeply in debt, he later burned his business down to claim its insurance value and fled to South Africa before he could be arrested. He is believed to have committed numerous frauds and murders in Africa. Eventually found in Uruguay, he spent time in prison in England for fraud. After being released he married Emily and returned to Australia. After leaving England, British police began investigating him over the murder of Mrs Marie Deeming and her four children. Now using another alias, 'Baron Swanston', Deeming was arrested in Western Australia before he left the country in the company of a young woman, Kate Rounsefell, whom he planned to marry. It seems Kate would have been his next murder victim. Brought back to Victoria, in May 1892, Deeming went on trail for the murder of Emily Mather. Despite a strong defense conducted by a brilliant young barrister and 3 times Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, the evidence against Deeming was overwhelming and he was found guilty. Deeming was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 23 May 1892. He was known to be responsible for at least 6 murders and may have committed others. Medium sized photograph of Frederick Deeming with a moustache drawn on the image in inkFrederick B. Deeming (on image in black ink)frederick deeming, emily lydia mather, murders

Detective John Christie was one of Victoria's most famous detectives from 1867 to 1875. He was responsible for solving some of Victoria's most famous crimesBlack and white carte de visite of Detective John Mitchell Christiejohn mitchell christie, detective christie

Detective John Christie was one of Victoria's most famous detectives from 1867 to 1875. He was responsible for solving some of Victoria's most famous crimesBlack and white portrait photographic image of John Christie standing in a garden and showing him standing full length holding an umbrella and wearing a hat.john mitchell christie, detective christie

Ah Tune, kicked William Brasslin to death in a drunken brawl following an altercation, Beechworth, November 1914. Death sentence was commuted to 10 years imprisonmentPrison record for Ah Tune, prisoner registered number 33926, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.ah tune, foreign prisoner, beechworth, murder, william brasslin

Myrtle McDonald, in company with Robert Roberts, was accused of passing forged five pound notes in Carlton, August 1916. Prison record for Myrtle McDonald, prisoner registered number 730, giving details of the prisoner, her crimes and the dates and places of her trials.myrtle mcdonald, female prisoner, english speaking prisoner, forgery

Andrew Geoghegan, a bookmaker, was charged with illegally using an instrument on a woman, Louisa Margaret Heavey, in Hawthorn, November 1917. Prison record for Andrew Charles Geoghegan, prisoner registered number 34760, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.geoghegan, andrew charles, english speaking prisoner, abortion

William Coleman stole a cash box from the Woolpack Hotel, Carlton, December 1910. He had a string of various other offences of larceny and stealing under a variety of aliasesPrison record for William Coleman, prisoner registered number 34372, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.william coleman, english speaking prisoner, stealing, larceny

Robert Sinclair, a travelling entertainer, committed a variety of offences including housebreaking, having a skeleton/picklock key in his possession, being an habitual criminal. He had several aliases. Prison record for Robert Sinclair, prisoner registered number 29536, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.robert sinclair, english speaking prisoner, larceny, housebreaking, stealing

James Rouhan, 19 years of age, was accused of murdering his sweetheart, Kate Beachley, with an axe, in Lydiard St., Ballarat in October 1904. Sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonmentPrison record for James Rouhan, prisoner registered number 30737, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.james rouhan, english speaking prisoner, murder, kate beachley

Albert Hay was charged with the manslaughter of Edward Booth Cox, by hitting then strangling him, in Horsham, July 1909. Cox's wife, was also charged but acquittedPrison record for Albert Hay, prisoner registered number 32092, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.albert hay, english speaking prisoner, edward booth cox, manslaughter

In June 1915 was charged with stealing and unlawfully on premises. He was deemed an habitual criminal with prior offenses including obscene language, offensive behaviour, theft of money, larceny of eight bottles of beer. In September 1916 he was charged with forgery and uttering. His criminal career began in 1907 at the age of 22 years of age.Prison record for Edward Greenwood, prisoner registered number 32050, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.edward greenwood, english speaking prisoner, obscene language, offensive behaviour, perjury, forgery, uttering

In August 1918 was charged with falsely representing himself as a returned soldier. He had previous convictions of housebreaking and stealing. A previous offence in 1916 concerned obtaining a seal mantle under the name of Alfred Barber. He was a recruiting sergeant at Dimboola at the time.Prison record for Alfred Hannah, prisoner registered number 34372, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials. alfred hannah, alfred barber, english speaking prisoner, housebreaking, war precautions act, false representations, stealing, loitering

Alfred Richardson was charged, in company with James Barry, of having stolen gold bearing quartz from the Golden Pyke mine, Bendigo, in November 1901. He had many previous minor convictions for drunkenness, assault, no visible means, etc.Prison record for Albert Richardson, prisoner registered number 28563, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, alfred richardson, golden pyke company, larceny, drunk, assault

Robert Halifax, a young teacher, 25 years old, was charged with bigamy. In December 1905 he married Myrtle Skinner, 17, in Coleraine. He had married Faithful Halifax, nee Trotter, in March 1900.Prison record for Robert Halifax, prisoner registered number 31238, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, robert a. h. halifax, bigamy

Peter O'Shannessy, town clerk of the borough of Coburg, was charged with embezzling 137 pounds between October 1905 and July 1906Prison record for Peter O'shannessy, prisoner registered number 31285, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, peter o'shannessy, embezzlement

Muriel Butler stole a black coat and a fox skin fur in Melbourne in January 1918. She was arrested when getting off the train in Ballarat. She was also wanted by the police for circulating valueless cheques. She had committed previous crimes of stealing and false pretences between 1914 and 1918, sometimes under the name of Agnes James.Prison record for Muriel Butler, prisoner registered number 7400, giving details of the prisoner, her crimes and the dates and places of her trials.english speaking prisoner, female prisoner, muriel butler, agnes james, false pretences, stealing, larceny

Henry Holroyd was charged many times over many years with counterfeiting and coining and with having in his possession moulds for making coins. Prison record forHenry Holroyd, prisoner registered number 32136, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, henry holroyd, counterfeiting

In September 1917, Joseph Farrie, labourer, was accused, along with Robert Gardner, of defrauding the Commonwealth Government by creating a fictitious soldier and drawing his pay.Prison record forJoseph Farrie, prisoner registered number 34753, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, joseph frederick farrie, conspiracy to defraud

In September, Robert Gardner, who worked in the pay office of the third military district, was accused, along with Joseph Farrie, of defrauding the Commonwealth Government by creating a fictitious soldier and drawing his pay.Prison record for Robert William Gardner, prisoner registered number 34754, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials. english speaking prisoner, robert william gardner, conspiracy to defraud

Frederick Dunn was an habitual offender. He started offending very young and was first apprehended in January 1903 on a charge of stealing a canary. Subsequent crimes included stealing a gold watch chain, money, a silver watch. In 1913 he was charged with keeping a brothel and in 1914, of receivingPrison record for Frederick Dunn, prisoner registered number 30410, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, frederick dunn, larceny, robbery, receiving

In August 1917, Hewins conspired with Emma Dent (a nurse)and Elcho Fenton (a police constables) to defraud Amelia Cole of money. Following the birth of a child by Mrs Cole's daughter, Dent registered the birth improperly and then demanded money to keep the birth quiet. Hewins had a previous conviction in Perth in June 1907 for false pretencesPrison record for Edward Hewins, prisoner registered number 34680 giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, edward hewins, edward cooper hughes, conspiracy

In December 1915 James McKnight was chased through the back streets of Fitzroy chased by Constables Preece and Phalp. McKnight, who had two American large calibre revolvers, shot repeatedly at the police, who returned fire. McKnight was finally apprehended after a struggle in which both constables were injuredPrison record forJames Joseph McKnight, prisoner registered number 34233, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, james joseph mcknight, shooting with intent

In March 1917, fire services attended a fire in a domestic dwelling in Carlton. When the owners returned they found that some of their clothing was missing. May Hall, 19, was later charged with stealing clothing and then burning those she did not want. Prison record for May Hall, prisoner registered number 7351, giving details of the prisoner, her crimes and the dates and places of her trials.english speaking prisoner, female prisoner, may hall, burglary, stealing, arson

In May 1917 William Gruner, a soldier, was with a group of people drinking at the Prince of Wales hotel in Richmond. After the group left the hotel, Gruner returned and stabbed the licensee, Robert Walker, with a military service knife. Walker was a former policeman. Gruner was charged with manslaughter.Prison record for William Gruner, prisoner registered number 34611, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, william gruner, robert walker, manslaughter

Peter McNamara had committed numerous offences such as stealing, whilst drunk. In April 1914 he was charged with attempting to murder Sarah Bass, a housemaid at the Mount Bute steep station. He was found not guilty due to insanity caused by alcoholismPrison record for Peter McNamara, prisoner registered number 33640, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, peter mcnamara, drunk, larceny, attempted murder

May Foster had many charges over a long period, mainly for passing valueless cheques. She was also know as Caroline RadfordPrison record for May Foster, prisoner registered number 6913, giving details of the prisoner, her crimes and the dates and places of her trials.female prisoner, english speaking prisoner, may foster, caroline radford, false representations, uttering

John Ferrier was employed on the farm of the Sundermans. In July 1900 he shot Alice Aubrey, sister of Mrs Sunderman, at Dawson near Heyfield. She was shot in the back whilst hanging out the washing. Defence was temporary insanity which was hereditary in his family. He was found guilty and sentenced to death which was commuted to life imprisonmentPrison record for John Ferrier, prisoner registered number 39234, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, john ferrier, murder, alice aubrey

In May 1919 Francis William Hawken, in the company of Walter Middleton, assaulted and robbed Mr Le Souef, the Director of the Zoological Gardens. A bag was placed over Mr Le Souef's head and Hawken struck him on the head with a weighted object. He was then robbed.Prison record for Francis William Hawken, prisoner registered number 35145, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.english speaking prisoner, francis hawken, robbery, dudley le souef