RONALD RYAN A CASE STUDY IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

Softcover. Revised. First published in 1972 as Part 1 of Commercial and Legal Studies VCTA. December 19, 1965 Ronald Ryan and another prisoner, Peter Walker, escaped from Pentridge Gaol. During the escape prisoner warder George Hodson, 41, was killed. In January 1966 both men were arrested by NSW police in Sydney. March 30, 1966 a Criminal Court Jury found Ryan guilty of Hodson's murder, and Walker guilty of his manslaughter. The Court of Criminal Appeal subsequently rejected appeals by Ryan and Walker. In October 1966, the Full High Court rejected an appeal by Ryan. In December 1966 the State Executive Council decided that Ryan should hang on January 9, 1967. On January 4, Ryan's execution was stayed pending an approach to the Privy Council. The Privy Council Judicial Committee refused Ryan leave to appeal. A new date of January 25 was fixed for Ryan's execution, and again an appeal for stay was granted, pending appeal to the Queen. On January 26, 1967, a direct appeal to the Queen was made by Ryan's solicitor. A new execution date of January 31, 1967 was set. On January 30, a reprieve was granted by Justice Starke because of new evidence from eye-witnesses. The new evidence was examined and dismissed. A new date of execution was set for February 3, 1967. Another stay of execution was requested on the grounds of new evidence. Justice Starke refused. The execution of Ronald Ryan took place at 8.00am on February 3, 1967. This case study was used as part of a Commercial and Legal Studies course, suitable for both group discussions and written assignments etc. Illus. + References. 56pp. 4to softcover. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. Light soiling to front cover. Nr. Vg.