The Gun Alley Tragedy: Record of the Trial of Colin Campbell Ross — John Shaqi
The Gun Alley Tragedy: Record of the Trial of Colin Campbell RossBrennan, T. C. (Thomas Cornelius)
History
The Gun Alley Tragedy: Record of the Trial of Colin Campbell Ross
Brennan, T. C. (Thomas Cornelius)
Ross, Colin Campbell, 1892-1922 -- Trials, litigation, etc.; Trials (Murder) -- Australia -- Victoria -- Melbourne
This statement was obtained largely, as all police statements are, by
question and answer, and committed to paper in narrative form. When it
was concluded, further questions, more disjointed, were put to Ross,
and his answers being given, the question and answer were committed
to writing, and were signed by Ross. The supplementary statement thus
obtained is as follows:—
“I admit I did walk up and down Little Collins Street
in front of the Arcade from about 8.45 until 9 p.m.
I say there was not a light in my saloon after 10.45
p.m., unless my brother was in there. My brother was
first to enter my saloon on the Saturday morning. I
came while the detectives were talking to my brother.
He did not make any complaint about the condition of
the shop when I arrived. I did have two blankets in the
saloon. They were used as a rug or cover for the couch
to lie down on in the afternoons. I was home all day
Thursday. I was not well. I did not leave the shop on
Friday and say that I was ill. I was not away from the
saloon during the afternoon of Friday. I can give no
reason why my brother should say I was away ill. I have
not been engaged in a telephone conversation with a man
named Williams. I have not spoken on a telephone since
Thursday, 29th. I remember, before Miss G. Linderman
came to the cafe, there were two young women in the
bar. They would be 19 or 20 years of age, and they left
the saloon in company with two men. That was on Friday,
30th. In my opinion No. 33 is a brothel. Several men
have keys of the room.”
“COLIN CAMPBELL ROSS.”
Witness: FREDERICK J. PIGGOTT.
Ross was still further interrogated, but this part of his statement
was not taken down in writing. Piggott said: “Where did you have lunch
on Friday, December 30th?” and he replied: “At home,” and question and
answer proceeded as follow:—
What time did you get into your wine bar?—About 2 o’clock.
Who was in the bar?—A man named Allen and a woman.
Who was the woman?—I do not know, but Detective Lee ordered her out.
What time did you see Gladys Linderman?—About 4.45, and I remained
talking with her about three-quarters of an hour.[2]
[2] By comparing this question and answer with the statement, it will
be seen that Piggott was slightly in error here. What Ross said was
that it was 4.45 when he and Gladys left the saloon.
What time did you leave her?—About 6 o’clock, but I had to meet her
again.
Did you meet her?—Yes, I met her at 9 o’clock, as arranged.
What time did she leave?—About half-past 10.
Where did she go?—I saw her home. I got the train, and got home about
midnight.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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