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1870: Patrick Smith Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for the Murder of His Wife

Patrick Smith, a fisherman working the Yarra and Saltwater rivers, had subjected his wife Mary to years of brutal abuse at their home in Errol Street, Hotham (North Melbourne). Neighbours had witnessed repeated beatings and shocking cruelties; Mary herself had told those around her that she believed her husband would one day murder her. On 9 July 1870, after a day of drinking and quarrelling, a neighbour heard heavy blows, then silence, then Smith calling out ‘Mary, Mary, do get up.’ She was never seen alive again.

Smith was tried for the murder of his wife and convicted. He was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 4 August 1870.

Maribyrnong River at Brimbank Park in Victoria, Australia

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Australia Domestic Homicide Execution Melbourne Murder North Melbourne VIC

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1864: William Carver Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for Armed Bank Robbery at Fitzroy

On 14 July 1864, four men, Samuel Woods, William Carver, Jeremiah Phillips, and James Anderson, stormed the Fitzroy branch of the English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank. Woods entered first, confronting the manager John Dowling at the counter, threatening to shoot him and producing a pistol during the struggle that followed. The gang was arrested and committed for trial, the Crown prosecutor arguing that even those who stood watch outside the building shared equal guilt with those who entered.

Carver was convicted of shooting with intent and hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 3 August 1864.

Waltz in a backroom 1864 Fitzroy bank robbery with pistols and knife

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Australia Execution Fitzroy Melbourne Murder Organised Crime Robbery Trial VIC

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1864: Samuel Woods Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for Armed Robbery and Shooting at Fitzroy Bank

On the morning of 14 July 1864, four men, Samuel Woods, William Carver, Jeremiah Phillips, and James Anderson, stormed the Fitzroy branch of the English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank. Woods entered alone, advanced toward the manager’s private room, and when confronted by manager John Dowling, threatened to shoot him. In the struggle that followed, Dowling fought to redirect the pistol as Woods fired. Anderson, who had not entered the building, stood watch outside and fled after the robbery, making him equally liable under the law.

All four were brought before the City Court, represented by Crown Solicitor R. F. Gurner, and committed for trial. Woods was convicted and hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 3 August 1864 for shooting with intent.

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Australia Execution Fitzroy Melbourne Murder Organised Crime Robbery VIC

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1864: Christopher Harrison Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for Shooting His Business Partner

Christopher Harrison and James Marsh held a government contract to clear Section No. 4 of the Jordan track near Melbourne. Marsh had failed to deposit funds to honour the workers’ cheques, leaving Harrison besieged by unpaid men. When the two met to settle the dispute, with contractor John Stewart present as arbitrator, Marsh refused to sign papers. Harrison drew a pistol, remarking: “Do you think such a wretch is fit to live? I don’t.” Marsh fell while trying to use a bystander as a shield, and Harrison shot him where he lay.

An inquest before Dr. Youl at the Sir Charles Hotham Hotel on Flinders Street returned a verdict of wilful murder. Harrison was described as composed, even nonchalant, as the evidence against him was heard. He was convicted and hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 3 August 1864.

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Australia Execution Melbourne Murder Trial VIC

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