Click to read 'Truth Quest' article
During our western tour we were interviewed by a reporter from the Highlife Downs Living Magazine. Highlife is a beautiful glossy publication, available in most newsagencies, and we're very grateful they chose to write their article, which helps us present our grandfather's case to a broader community. Although important new evidence has already come in we live in hope that someone else may still come forward and be willing to share memories/information that could assist us should this old Brisbane crime ever be re-examined.
Thank you Kerryn and Dana from Highlife Downs Living.
Deb and Jan
22 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Boggo Road Conditions - 68 years ago - Part 6
Sunday 23 February, 1947
While our grandfather languished in Boggo Road Gaol, the Truth published an article titled Inside Light on Boggo-Road Conditions. A 'hush hush' departmental inquiry was apparently underway following the escape of three prisoners including Arthur 'Slim' Halliday. But another man, after a stay in Boggo Road, went public describing 'appalling filth' and hygiene; he told of a privileged prisoner who slept regularly in the hospital, 'his favourite resort'; gaol food where fruit and vegetables were unheard of; stealing of prison rations; and smuggling of goods in and out of the prison.
This disturbing article hit the news stands on the day Ian Brown (Deb's father) should have been celebrating his 20th birthday. There were no celebrations in the Brown family.
Tomorrow Ian turns eighty-eight.
Deb and Jan
While our grandfather languished in Boggo Road Gaol, the Truth published an article titled Inside Light on Boggo-Road Conditions. A 'hush hush' departmental inquiry was apparently underway following the escape of three prisoners including Arthur 'Slim' Halliday. But another man, after a stay in Boggo Road, went public describing 'appalling filth' and hygiene; he told of a privileged prisoner who slept regularly in the hospital, 'his favourite resort'; gaol food where fruit and vegetables were unheard of; stealing of prison rations; and smuggling of goods in and out of the prison.
This disturbing article hit the news stands on the day Ian Brown (Deb's father) should have been celebrating his 20th birthday. There were no celebrations in the Brown family.
Tomorrow Ian turns eighty-eight.
Deb and Jan
15 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Story in Take 5
Issue No.8 of Take 5 is on sale until Feb 19th
12 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Bill Carter QC - Thank You
It was with great sadness that we learned about the recent passing of Bill Carter. We will remain indebted to Bill for the invaluable (although he considered it modest) contribution he made to Lingering Doubts.
Thank you Bill R.I.P.
Deb and Jan
Bill Carter QC calls for a ban on cops investigating cops
(2009) Tony Koch and Michael McKenna from The Australian.
Thank you Bill R.I.P.
Deb and Jan
Bill Carter QC calls for a ban on cops investigating cops
(2009) Tony Koch and Michael McKenna from The Australian.
7 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - 68 years ago - Boggo Road Gaol - Part 5
Friday 7 February 1947
After the five day committal hearing, Mr Landy SM said he thought a prima facie case had been made out. Our grandfather was committed for trial. Detective Sub-Inspector Bischof had predicted that a prima facie case was apparent less than three days after Reg Brown's arrest. Bail was not granted. Our grandfather returned to the remand wing at Boggo Road Gaol, Brisbane Prison.
Deb and Jan
After the five day committal hearing, Mr Landy SM said he thought a prima facie case had been made out. Our grandfather was committed for trial. Detective Sub-Inspector Bischof had predicted that a prima facie case was apparent less than three days after Reg Brown's arrest. Bail was not granted. Our grandfather returned to the remand wing at Boggo Road Gaol, Brisbane Prison.
Deb and Jan
5 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - 68 years ago - Det. Frank Bischof - Part 4
3 February 1947
The opening of the five day committal hearing in Brisbane's Police Court. Detective Sub-Inspector Frank Bischof prosecuted. For the next five mornings the Magistrate read out the charge of 'wilful murder'. Every day our grandfather firmly answered, 'Not guilty, Your Worship'.
Deb and Jan
The opening of the five day committal hearing in Brisbane's Police Court. Detective Sub-Inspector Frank Bischof prosecuted. For the next five mornings the Magistrate read out the charge of 'wilful murder'. Every day our grandfather firmly answered, 'Not guilty, Your Worship'.
Deb and Jan
1 February 2015
Lingering Doubts - Boggo Road Gaol - 68 years ago - Part 3
1 February 1947
In readiness for the committal hearing in the Police Court, or today, Magistrate's Court, only one day remained for the preparation of our grandfather's defence against the charge of wilful murder. However, on this date in 1947, our grandfather's defence was 'seriously hampered' by Boggo Road Gaol authorities when notes he had written for his solicitor were confiscated by a prison guard. Upon his barrister's protest in the presence of the magistrate, incredibly, the only official respondent on record is Detective Sub-inspector Frank Bischof. In part, his report read:
We ask the question in our book: Does Bischof's response imply that when a person was denied bail and subsequently detained on remand, police officers investigating the crime, had the ability to curtail the prisoner's defence? Worse still be privvy to the prisoner's notes written in a vain attempt to defend themself? Back then, successful convictions equaled plum promotions for police.
It defies belief that this corrupt and cruel practice, incorporating the justice, penal and legal systems, was very obviously common place here in Brisbane - scarier still to think it was only 68 years ago.
Deb and Jan
In readiness for the committal hearing in the Police Court, or today, Magistrate's Court, only one day remained for the preparation of our grandfather's defence against the charge of wilful murder. However, on this date in 1947, our grandfather's defence was 'seriously hampered' by Boggo Road Gaol authorities when notes he had written for his solicitor were confiscated by a prison guard. Upon his barrister's protest in the presence of the magistrate, incredibly, the only official respondent on record is Detective Sub-inspector Frank Bischof. In part, his report read:
....There is no desire by any member of this [Police] Department to ascertain the contents of any notes BROWN may wish to hand his Solicitor.The privilege existing between solicitor and client was, and is, sacred. But this was not upheld when Reg Brown was on trial. The incident was simply glossed over.
We ask the question in our book: Does Bischof's response imply that when a person was denied bail and subsequently detained on remand, police officers investigating the crime, had the ability to curtail the prisoner's defence? Worse still be privvy to the prisoner's notes written in a vain attempt to defend themself? Back then, successful convictions equaled plum promotions for police.
It defies belief that this corrupt and cruel practice, incorporating the justice, penal and legal systems, was very obviously common place here in Brisbane - scarier still to think it was only 68 years ago.
Deb and Jan
25 January 2015
Lingering Doubts - Introduction of New Appeal Right
Tony Kerin, Australian Lawyers Alliance,
attributing the release of Henry Keogh to the introduction of a new
appeal right in South Australia.
Malcolm McCusker QC suggesting that a similar amendment should be introduced in Western Australia.
The Tasmanian Attorney-General stating that similar laws will be introduced in Tasmania this year.
Link to program:
Surely this appeal right should be available to all Australians regardless of which State they live in ....
Deb and Jan
11 January 2015
Lingering Doubts - 68 years ago - Part 2
Saturday 11 January, 1947
Sixty-eight years ago Bronia Armstrong's body was discovered at the BAFS Medical Institute, Wallace Bishop Arcade, Albert Street, Brisbane. Queensland detectives swiftly targeted Bronia's boss, Reg Brown, ruthlessly interrogating him, without legal representation, for the entire day - his rights only read that evening, moments before his arrest for willful murder. Despite his protestations of innocence the fifty-year-old accountant and BAFS Secretary was charged and taken to the city watch house. He would never again return to his family, waiting anxiously in their neat St Lucia home. We now know enough about our grandfather to safely say, despite his dreadful predicament, his thoughts would have been with his family and in particular with his son Ian, who, not surprisingly, was seriously distressed and in utter turmoil. Bronia Armstrong's younger brother, Albert, was Ian's best mate. Furthermore, Albert and his family resided only a couple of streets away where Ian spent much of his time.
This was the day in 1947 that life took a devastating turn for two ordinary Brisbane families....
Sixty-eight years ago Bronia Armstrong's body was discovered at the BAFS Medical Institute, Wallace Bishop Arcade, Albert Street, Brisbane. Queensland detectives swiftly targeted Bronia's boss, Reg Brown, ruthlessly interrogating him, without legal representation, for the entire day - his rights only read that evening, moments before his arrest for willful murder. Despite his protestations of innocence the fifty-year-old accountant and BAFS Secretary was charged and taken to the city watch house. He would never again return to his family, waiting anxiously in their neat St Lucia home. We now know enough about our grandfather to safely say, despite his dreadful predicament, his thoughts would have been with his family and in particular with his son Ian, who, not surprisingly, was seriously distressed and in utter turmoil. Bronia Armstrong's younger brother, Albert, was Ian's best mate. Furthermore, Albert and his family resided only a couple of streets away where Ian spent much of his time.
This was the day in 1947 that life took a devastating turn for two ordinary Brisbane families....
Deb and Jan
10 January 2015
Lingering Doubts - 68 years ago - Part 1
Friday 10 January, 1947
On this date, sometime during the late afternoon or evening, Bronia Armstrong, a popular young Brisbane woman, lost her life - at whose hands and under what circumstances remains a mystery. History shows her immediate supervisor, Reg Brown, was responsible and the justice system, of which Detective Sub-Inspector Frank Bischof was a key player, took exactly two months to see Brown arrested and sentenced to life with hard labour. But this previously respected and forthright man refused to be silenced, 'Not guilty', his consistent plea. Nine days after the life sentence was handed down, Reg Brown, our grandfather, was dead. The files on the 'Arcade Murder' were closed; another successful conviction for Queensland's future police commissioner. Police officers moved up the ladder and enjoyed stellar careers, as did the Supreme Court judge, prosecutor, government pathologist and junior defense barrister, (Sir) Harry Gibbs. But life would never be the same for the two devastated families left behind. The Armstrongs had lost a loving daughter and sister, and the Brown family, a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
After eight years of research we've exposed many anomalies and flaws in this so-called 'open and shut' case, and we, and we're pleased to say many others, hold the opinion our grandfather was indeed innocent.
If you wish to explore the story behind the 1947 newspaper headlines copies of Lingering Doubts can be purchased from this site or from the outlets listed in 3 January post. Alternatively copies of Lingering Doubts - Going inside Brisbane's Arcade Murder can be borrowed from public libraries.
We invite readers to form their own opinion. Did the 'Arcade Murder' investigation and trial result in a serious and cruel miscarriage of justice? Did the real perpetrator escape? We look forward to your feedback.
Deb and Jan
On this date, sometime during the late afternoon or evening, Bronia Armstrong, a popular young Brisbane woman, lost her life - at whose hands and under what circumstances remains a mystery. History shows her immediate supervisor, Reg Brown, was responsible and the justice system, of which Detective Sub-Inspector Frank Bischof was a key player, took exactly two months to see Brown arrested and sentenced to life with hard labour. But this previously respected and forthright man refused to be silenced, 'Not guilty', his consistent plea. Nine days after the life sentence was handed down, Reg Brown, our grandfather, was dead. The files on the 'Arcade Murder' were closed; another successful conviction for Queensland's future police commissioner. Police officers moved up the ladder and enjoyed stellar careers, as did the Supreme Court judge, prosecutor, government pathologist and junior defense barrister, (Sir) Harry Gibbs. But life would never be the same for the two devastated families left behind. The Armstrongs had lost a loving daughter and sister, and the Brown family, a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
After eight years of research we've exposed many anomalies and flaws in this so-called 'open and shut' case, and we, and we're pleased to say many others, hold the opinion our grandfather was indeed innocent.
If you wish to explore the story behind the 1947 newspaper headlines copies of Lingering Doubts can be purchased from this site or from the outlets listed in 3 January post. Alternatively copies of Lingering Doubts - Going inside Brisbane's Arcade Murder can be borrowed from public libraries.
We invite readers to form their own opinion. Did the 'Arcade Murder' investigation and trial result in a serious and cruel miscarriage of justice? Did the real perpetrator escape? We look forward to your feedback.
Deb and Jan
The authors are to be congratulated for their painstaking work and the clear and balanced presentation of their findings. It is clear that they have worked hard to do what those with legal responsibilities in relation to the case failed to do. It will be interesting to see whether it leads to the conviction being challenged through the courts in due course. I am clearly of the view that it ought to be – although I am well aware of the considerable procedural issues which might stand in the way.
Dr Robert N Moles 1 April 2014 click to read about Brisbane's Arcade Murder on NetK
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