Depositions for William Albert Cameron 18 June 1923 Sydney trial 1
(a) Town. |
Letter from Bench of Magistrates at (a) the Children’s Court, Sydney |
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transmitting Depositions |
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(b) Name in full of accused. |
in the case Rex v. (b) William Albert Cameron |
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(c) Offence. |
(c) |
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(d) Town. |
Petty Sessions Office, (d) Children’s Court, Sydney |
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1st June 1923 |
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Sir, |
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(e) Name of accused |
case of (e) William Albert Cameron |
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(f) “His” or “her” |
who has been committed to take (f) his |
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(g) “Circuit Court,” or |
trial at the (g) Central Criminal Court |
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to be held at (h) Sydney |
on Tuesday |
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(h) Town where Court |
the 5th day of June 1923 |
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The accused is (i) on bail in £100. Surety–Charles Dennett of 32 Henderson Road, Alexandria. |
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(i) “Is confined in the |
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(k) As in Recognizance, both for Crown and defence, specifying also what witnesses gave evidence but were not bound over, with reason for omission. |
The Witnesses bound over are (k) Anthony Lavelle, Catherine Maud Lucretia Noonan for herself and son Alan Noonan, Patrick McGaulrick for boy Vincent de Paulo, Arthur Taylor, and Frederick Hannam. (Doctor Palmer was not present to be bound).
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(l) Short description to enable identification. |
The Exhibits enclosed are (l) nil |
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I have the honor to be, |
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[Signed] H[enry] T[homas] Adams |
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Clerk of Petty Sessions Clerk of the Children’s Court. |
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The Under Secretary, |
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N.B.– When a Police Constable acts as Clerk of Petty Sessions, this letter should be signed by one of the Committing Magistrates |
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4g 201-90 |
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NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE.
Metropolitan District,
Darlinghurst Station,
2nd June 1923
Report relative to antecedents of:–
Name: William Albert Cameron.
Offence: Attempted buggery.
Committed for Trial at: Central Criminal Court
Date: Commencing 5th June 1923.
I beg to report that this offender is a married man residing with his wife and family of two at 76 Garden Street, Alexandria. He has been employed for the past twelve months as a lorry driver by Mr William Morris, Forwarding Agent, Circular Quay, Sydney, and it was while driving one of these lorries that the offence with which he is charged is alleged to have happened.
He enlisted with the AIF 2 and served with the 1st Australian Light Horse for 310 days abroad. His service was 1 year 176 days in all. His discharge was classed as “proper”. His fingerprints have been taken and identified. The only conviction against him was that he was fined £10 or 3 months at Redfern Police Court on 9-10-17 for stealing. His associates are men of the same class as himself, that is, from a working standpoint.
[Signed] A Lavelle, Sergeant 3rd Class.
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Depositions of Witnesses.
New South Wales,
TO WIT. }
The examination of Anthony Lavelle, of Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, Arthur Aubrey Palmer, Anthony Lavelle, Vincent de Paulo, Catherine Maude Lucretia Noonan, Arthur Taylor, and Frederick Hannam, taken on oath this first day of June, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty three at the Children’s Court, Sydney in the said State, before the undersigned, a Special Magistrate and one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the said State, in the presence and hearing of William Albert Cameron, who was charged this day before me for that he the said William Albert Cameron, on the 21st day of May, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty three at Sydney, in the said State, did assault one Alan Noonan, with intent wickedly and against the order of nature, to commit the abominable crime of buggery with the said Alan Noonan.
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Anthony Lavelle sworn states:– I am a Sergeant of Police at No. 3 Police Station, Sydney.
On the 21st May, 1923 I saw the boy Alan Noonan at the No. 3 Police Station with his father. The boy told me something. About 11.30 am on the 22nd May, 1923, I saw the accused at his place of business at Circular Quay, and said to him “I belong to the Police, and I am making enquiries regarding a criminal assault which was committed on the a boy at Darlinghurst yesterday afternoon.” He said “Yes?” I said “What colored horses were you driving yesterday afternoon?” He said “There they are”, indicating a bay and grey horse in a lorry close by. I said “Were you in charge of these horses the whole of yesterday afternoon from three to six pm?” He said “Yes.” I said “Was there any other adult on the lorry during that time?” He said “No.” I said “Has your lorry got a board under it, with a name on it?” He said “Yes, it has a board there with the name of Rexona on it.” I said “Where were you delivering yesterday afternoon?” He said “Round the city in the early part, and I finished up at Darling Point.” I said to him “Which way did you come from Darling Point to get to your stables at Alexandria?” He said “I came along the tram line to this side of the Stadium, I turned up Barcom Avenue into Oxford Street and out that way.” I said “As you were coming up Barcom Avenue did any boys get on your lorry?” He said “Yes, four or five.” I said “This is what I’m inquiring about. One of those boys named Alan Noonan informs me that a man who was driving a boy [sic] and a grey horse in a lorry took him off the lorry and into the lavatory at the Excelsior Hotel, at the intersection of West Street and Barcom Avenue, do you know anything about that?” He said “No, I don’t know where the Excelsior Hotel is.” I said “At about what time was it you came up Barcom Avenue?” He said “Between 5.30 and 6 pm.”
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I said “I’m going to take you to Darlinghurst Police Station for the purpose of identification in this matter.” He said “All right.” I took him there. Sometime afterwards I took the accused into the yard of the Police Station where I had four men of similar build and type as accused, three two of the men were wearing bag aprons the same as accused. I said to accused “I’m going to place you in a line with these men for identification, are you satisfied with them?” He said “Yes.” I said “You can take any position you like.” He then stood between the two men with the aprons on. The accused was then wearing an apron.
Alan Noonan was then called in and I said to him “Have a look at this row of men, and see if you can see amongst them the man who gave you a ride on the lorry yesterday afternoon and who was driving a bay and grey horse, and who afterwards took you into the lavatory, at the corner of West Street and Barcom Avenue, and criminally assaulted you, if you do put your hand on him.” The boy went straight over to accused touched him with his hand and said “This is the man.” Vincent de Paulo was then called in, and I said to him “Have a look at this row of men and see if you can see amongst them if you can see the man who gave you a ride on his lorry up Barcom Avenue yesterday afternoon, and who left you and other boys on the lorry, and who took Alan Noonan along West Street towards the lavatory, and who returned just after without him. Put your hand on him.” The boy then placed his hand on the accused and said “That is the man.” A boy named Kennedy was called in but he failed to identify him.
Accused was then charged with the present charge, and he made no reply.
By Mr Sproule: Accused correctly told me his whereabouts of the previous afternoon. Kennedy picked another man – the man who
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was standing next to accused, and who had an apron on. The other two boys were there. Noonan did not say anything when Kennedy picked the other man. Some of the boys say five were on the lorry, and some say six. I have interviewed four of them. There were two boys named Kennedy, he was too small, I did not call him to identify. I did not try to get the other boys. I was told they were on the lorry together – all the boys.
I know the defendant is a returned soldier, but I have not made any enquiries about him up to the present. I have not the slightest doubt that the defendant is a returned soldier.
[Signed] A Lavelle.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June, 1923 before me.
[Signed] A[rthur] Ormonde Butler, SM.
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Alan Noonan sworn states:– I am nine and a half years of age, and live at 164 Barcom Avenue, Darlinghurst, with my parents.
I remember last Monday week (21st May, 1923). I was playing in front of our house with Vincent de Paulo, Ken Sampson, Ralph Sampson, and a few other boys; while we were playing a man came along driving a lorry with a white and brown horse, accused was driving them. One of the boys asked the accused for a ride, and he said “Jump up.” I think four of us jumped up on the lorry. I sat on the left side of the lorry, a little from the back, with my legs dangling. The accused said “Come and sit with me.” I then sat next to him on the left hand side. We drove up to the Excelsior Hotel and accused said “Jump off.” He stopped the lorry. He also said “Come round to the lavatory.” I jumped off so did the accused, and we walked round the back of the lorry, the other boys did not get off the lorry. Accused and I went up to the lavatory of the hotel. We went in the door of the lavatory and I stood in the corner of the closet on the left hand side. Accused said “Pull down your trousers.” I had them a little way down and the accused pulled them down, I had my back to him. He put his “Tommy” into my “bottom”. He touched my “Tommy” with his hands. He put his “Tommy” into my “bottom”. I said “It hurts a bit.” He said “Lie over the lavatory seat.” I did so, and then he put his “Tommy” into my “bottom” again. After he did that he said “Don’t you tell your boy mates or anyone, and I will give you sixpence and the boys threepence.” He also said “Sit on the seat and pretend you have been on the lavatory, I am going to have a drink.” When I thought he had got in the hotel, I ran out and home. I saw my mother and told her. I next saw the accused at the Darlinghurst Police ‘Court’, the next day, he was with six or seven men in a row. I identified him.
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By Mr Sproule: I said the word identify, no-one told me. I have heard grown-ups say it before. When you pick anyone out you identify them. Six or seven men were in the row from which I identified one. Two or three had aprons on. Three men had aprons on.
I don’t know whether I asked for the ride on the lorry or not. Four with me got on the lorry. Three and myself. Further up two or three got on the lorry. I have passed the Excelsior Hotel a few times going up to Oxford Street. It has the word “Excelsior” on the door. I noticed the word this day. I noticed the name when I was going up to the Police “Court” with my father. He took me up the same night. I told my father the hotel was on the corner of Barcom Avenue and West Street. There is only one hotel at those corners. I was the only boy to jump off with the accused. I always use the word “lavatory”. I am not quite sure who walked in the lavatory first. I had my trousers down a couple of inches when accused pulled them down. I pulled them down because he told me to. I did not know then what for. I have not done anything like this before with other boys. Other boys have not spoken to me about things like this.
I did not get the sixpence, I don’t know whether the boys got the threepence. When I came out of the lavatory the lorry had gone. When I came out I saw the boys at the corner of Liverpool Street and Barcom Avenue. Accused said he was going to have a drink. I did not see him go in the hotel. I waited in the lavatory to give accused time to get in the hotel. I did not come out quickly ----- because I thought if I came out he might grab me and take me back and tell me to wait. I got home about a quarter to six. This happened shortly after 5 pm. I did not go home straight away. I told the boys what had happened and I went on home.
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I had not spoken to these boys about anything like this before. This was the first time.
I had a talk with mother when I got home. After that I saw the Police with my father. I told the Police something. Since then I have not said a word about the case to them. ----- I remember ----- when I picked out the accused, since then I have not spoken a word to anyone about this case. I made the statement to the Police before I picked the accused out. My father told me not to say anything about it, except when it was necessary up at the Police Court.
When he first touched me with his “Tommy” he put his hands round my waist. I was standing up then, so was the accused. I have heard that the “Tommy” described as the “Person”. If Mr Sproule were to ask me did I know his person, or see his person, I know what is meant. I have heard people describe it as that before, when talking about the “Tommy”. I have heard grown-up people calling it the “Person”. I have heard a lot of people call it that, I have heard my father and my mother calling it “Person”. I forget what they were talking about at the time they were referring to the “Person”. I have not heard it very often. It was not in connection with this case, I have heard other discussions. I have heard relations call it “Person”, but not very often. I don’t know what they were talking about, I forget now. I was at my relations’ places when I heard them talking. I forget whether the Police called it “Person”. When my relations called it “Person”, it was not in connection with this case at all. I always call it “Tommy”. I did not see the accused’s person. I did not turn round at all. I did not look round at all. He was at the back of me. I knew it was wrong. My mother told me never to do it – although I don’t do it. Mother told me if I did it I would not be healthy. She said “If you touch your Tommy.” She said not mention the other thing.
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She did not say “Person” then.
I bent over when accused told me. I was afraid if I did not he might hit me or kill me. At the first time when he closed the door I thought he was going to kill me or smother me. He had a bag apron. I thought he was going to smother me with the bag apron. I don’t know whether he lifted the apron at all. The second time I was bending right over the seat, not lying on it. The seat is very low. He would have to bend down a lot to reach me. On the first occasion he gave one push and kept it there a long time. I don’t know what “inserted” means. He kept it there a long time the second time He just pushed it in as far as he could and just left it. He did not lift me off the ground the first time.
I remember when the men were lined up. I saw Ralph Sampson called into the yard, he went over and pointed to the wrong man. That man had an apron on. I did not say anything when Ralph picked the wrong man.
By the Police: There was a swinging board with “Rexona” on it under the lorry accused was driving.
[Signed] Alan Noonan.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June 1923 before me.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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Anthony Lavelle on his former oath saith:–
By the Police: When in giving my evidence in chief I said that Kennedy failed to identify the accused, I should have said “Ralph Sampson”.
[Signed] A Lavelle.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June 1923 before me.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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Vincent de Paulo sworn states:– I was ten years of age on 3rd April, 1923, I live at 463 Liverpool Street Sydney, with my mother.
I remember last Monday week (21st May, 1923) I was with some other boys in Barcom Avenue. Ralph Sampson, Ken Sampson, Alan Noonan and Jack Brown were there. Accused came along driving a two-horse lorry. He had a brown and a white horse. Some of the boys said “Give us a ride mate”, and he said “Hop on.” We jumped on. I sat at the back. Alan Noonan was sitting next to the driver. At the hotel accused jumped off and said “Mind the wagon.” Alan got of with accused and they went round West Street. The accused came back in about 10 minutes. Alan was not with him. Accused jumped on the lorry and made the horses go quickly. We were still on the lorry. I went along as far as the lorry [went] and jumped off. I saw accused next day at the Police Station. He was in a line of men I was asked to pick him out and I did.
There was a back board under the lorry, it had a sign on it, I don’t know what it was but it started with a capital “R”.
By Mr Sproule: I don’t know who asked for the ride.
“Rexona” was the sign underneath the lorry. I did not take much notice of it. I noticed the sign when I got off. I have not been asked before whether there was a board under the lorry, with Rexona on it.
When accused and Alan got off, accused said to all of us “Mind the wagon.” Alan went first in the direction of West Street. Accused was a couple of yards behind. I was not sitting near Alan Noonan. I only just saw them go around West Street. We did not say where is Alan. We did not ask, accused did not say anything. When he started to whip the horses up he just let us jump off.
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He did not say anything. I saw Alan about 5 minutes afterwards at the corner of Liverpool Street. Alan did say there was something wrong with him. I did not say anything. Alan just went home and told his father. I did not hear what he told his father. He told us before he told his father. He did not tell us he was going to tell his father. But afterwards his father asked me to go with him to see if we could find the man. Alan got home something to 6. We were playing near our home. The man did not say anything to me, he did not ask me to get off. I did not hear him say anything to Alan. There was nothing to prevent all the boys getting off when Alan did.
I know Ralph Sampson, he came to the Police Yard. He was asked to pick out a man. He picked out the wrong man. He picked out a man taller. There was a good deal of difference in their height. Three men had bag aprons on in the yard. They were standing beside one another.
I did not say to Ralph that he had picked the wrong man. He is not as big as me.
Jack Brown was with us on the lorry. ----- . This happened on 21st May 1923. It was on a Monday. I don’t know which Monday, but I’m sure it was on the 21st May, 1923. I have had a talk with Alan since, but not many talks. A “person” means a man. I know what a “tommy” is. I never talk about it. We don’t talk about them at our school.
[Signed] Vincent de Paulo.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June 1923 before me.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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Catherine Maud Lucretia Noonan sworn states:– I am a married woman and live with my husband at 164 Barcom Avenue, Darlinghurst.
I am the mother of the witness Alan Noonan. He was having a game outside on the 21st May, 1923, and he came in and went out again to play. He came in frightened and said “I have something horrible to tell you, you won’t tell Daddy.” I said “I can’t promise that until I hear what it is.” He said “I was playing with some boys, and we asked for a ride on a lorry. We got on the lorry, we went a little further up, and the driver asked me to get down and come into the lavatory, I went into the lavatory, and the man told me to undo my trousers. I started to undo them, and the man helped me, and pulled my trousers down, he turned me round, and he put his private into my” and he put his hand then to his back. His father came in and I related briefly to him what had happened. I shortly after examine the boy. He complained of being sore. I saw a little white discharge glistening on the right hand side of his bottom near the opening.
By Mr Sproule: Alan was nine on the 4th January, 1923. I have never used the word “person” as referring to his privates. He has no Aunts that he visits. He has one aunt at Erskineville, but he has not visited her for a long while. My husband and I have never discussed matters like that talking about “persons”, referring to private parts. Alan is a smart boy, and uses good language. He would use a word like “identify”. I read a lot to him. The boy has never been asked before to pick out a person and say “I identify him.” I never taught him never to handle his “privates” – I did not use the word person. He asked me to promise him not to tell his daddy. I would not promise, but he told me all the same.
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He never told me he had heard his relatives talking about the “person”.
He told me the man turned him out. I don’t exactly remember the exact words, but Alan used the word “private” in connection with the man, not himself. He said “He put it in” indicating his bottom. When I examined his posterior I saw a little glistening discharge, I say it was a sexual discharge, it was semen. The boy did not tell me it was semen. I knew it was, I am a married woman, and knowing how it occurred. I did not notice it on his clothes. I did not look at the clothes. I thought I had better not interfere. I did not look at his clothes for signs until some hours after. I did not look until he came back from the Police Station the second time. I am not clear when I looked. I was too excited. I examined the clothes next morning, and I saw a stain, but I could not say what it was. But I am sure I saw semen on the boy’s anus.
[Signed] Lilly Noonan.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June 1923 before me.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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Arthur Taylor sworn states:– I am foreman for the “Sheldon Drug Company”, which includes the “Rexona” company. I live at 30 Day Street, Drummoyne. We have two lorries with the word “Rexona”, swinging boards underneath.
No questions by Mr Sproule.
[Signed] Arthur C Taylor.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June 1923 before me.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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Frederick Hannam sworn states:– I live at “Lincoln”, Railway Parade, Erskineville. I am manager for William Morris, Master Carriers. As far as I know my company does all the carrying for the Sheldon Drug Company. We have two lorries with the “Rexona” underneath. On the 21st May, 1923, only one lorry was in use, the other was in the yard. The accused was driving the lorry, with a bay and a grey horse. He had several deliveries in the city and to Darling Point.
By Mr Sproule: Accused was in our employ for two years before the war. And one year since. He bears a good character, he is honest, and hard working. He is very steady. I can speak highly of his character.
[Signed] F Hannam.
Taken and sworn at the Children’s Court Sydney, this 1st day of June 1923 before me.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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(F. 2 – “Justices Act, 1902.”)
Statement of the Accused.
State of New South Wales, Sydney
TO WIT. }
William Albert Cameron (hereinafter called the defendant) stands charged before the undersigned, a Special Magistrate and one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the said State, this 1st day of June, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty three for that he, the said defendant, on the 21st day of May, 1923, at Sydney, in the said State, did assault one Alan Noonan, with intent wickedly and against the order of nature, to commit the abominable crime of buggery with the said Alan Noonan, and the said charge being read to the said defendant, and the witnesses for the prosecution, Anthony Lavelle, Catherine Maud Lucretia Noonan, Alan Noonan, Vincent de Paulo, Arthur Taylor and Frederick Hannam being severally examined in his presence, and (he having stated that he does not desire the depositions of the said witnesses to be read to him) the said defendant is now addressed by me the said Justice as follows:– “Having heard the evidence, do you wish to say anything in answer to the charge? You are not obliged to say anything unless you desire to do so, but whatever you say will be taken down in writing and may be given against you in evidence at your trial; and you are also informed, and are to clearly understand, that you have nothing to hope from any promise of favour, and nothing to fear from any threat which may have been holden out to you to induce you to make any admission or confession of your guilt, but whatever you now say may be given in evidence against you upon your trial notwithstanding such promise or threat.” Whereupon the said defendant saith as follows:– “I reserve my defence.”
[Signed] WA Cameron.
Taken before me and read over to the said defendant at Sydney in the said State, the day and year first above mentioned.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
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G. 190.
New South Wales,
TO WIT. }
REX.
versus
William Albert Cameron
Offence,— Attempt to commit abominable crime of buggery
The accused stands committed to take trial at the next Court of Central Criminal Court, to be holden at Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, on the fifth day of June 1923, or at such other Court to be holden at such place and time as the Attorney-General may appoint. 3 Bail allowed the accused in £100 and two sureties in £50 each, or one in £100
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM
JP.
Dated at the Police
Office, Children’s Court, Sydney
in the said State,
this first
day of June
AD 1923.
4g 416 - 88
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Recognizance of Bail on Committal for Trial.
State of New South Wales, Sydney
TO WIT. }
Be it remembered, that on the 1st day of June, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty three, William Albert Cameron of 76 Garden Street, Alexandria, in the State of New South Wales, carter, Charles Dennett of 32 Henderson Road Alexandria, in the said State, grocer personally came before me, the undersigned, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said State, and severally acknowledged themselves to owe Our Sovereign Lord the King the several sums following (that is to say); the said William Albert Cameron the sum of one hundred pounds; and the said Charles Dennett the sum of one hundred pounds each, of good and lawful money of Great Britain, to be made and levied of their several goods and chattels, lands and tenements respectively, to the use of our said Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, if he the said William Albert Cameron shall fail in the condition indorsed.
[Signed] WA Cameron, C Dennett.
Taken and acknowledged, the day and year first above mentioned, at Sydney, in the said State, before me.
[Signed] FM Wood, JP.
CONDITION IN ORDINARY CASES.
The condition of the within written recognizance is such, that whereas the said William Albert Cameron was on the 1st day of June 1923, charged before Arthur Ormonde Butler Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Special Magistrates for the said State, with that at Sydney in the said State, on the 21st day of May, 1923 he did attempt to commit the abominable crime of buggery if therefore the said William Albert Cameron will appear at the next Central Criminal Court to be holden at Sydney in and for the State of New South Wales, on Tuesday the fifth day of June 1923, at nine of the clock in the forenoon, or at such other Court to be holden at such place and time as the Attorney General may appoint, of which such last mentioned Court the said William Albert Cameron shall receive due notice, and then and there surrender himself into the custody of the Keeper of the Gaol there, and plead to such information as may be filed against him for or in respect of the charge aforesaid, and take his trial upon the same, and not depart the said Court without leave, – then the said recognizance to be void, or else to stand in full force and virtue.
[Signed] FM Wood, PM.
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“Justices Act, 1902.”
Recognizance to give Evidence.
State of New South Wales, Sydney
TO WIT. }
Be it remembered, that on the 1st day of June in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty three Anthony Lavelle a Sergeant of the Police Force stationed at Darlinghurst in the State of New South Wales, Catherine Maud Lucretia Noonan of 164 Barcom Avenue, Darlinghurst in the said State, for herself and for the child Alan Noonan of same address in the said State, Patrick McGaulick of 109 Barcom Avenue, Darlinghurst for Vincent de Paul of 463 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst in the said State, Arthur Taylor of 30 Day Street, Drummoyne in the said State, Frederick Hannon of “Lincoln” Railway Parade, Erskineville in the said State, personally came before the undersigned, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said State, and acknowledged themselves to owe our Sovereign Lord the King the sum of
FORTY POUNDS EACH,
of good and lawful money of Great Britain, to be made and levied of their goods and chattels, lands and tenements, to the use of our said Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, if they the said before mentioned persons shall fail in the condition indorsed.
[Signed] A Lavelle, Lilly Noonan (for self and child Alan), Patrick McGaulrick for Vincent de Paul, Arthur C Taylor, and F Hannam.
Taken and acknowledged, the day and year first above mentioned, at Sydney in the said State, before me.
[Signed] FM Wood, JP.
The condition of the within written recognizance is such, that whereas one William Albert Cameron, (hereinafter called the defendant) was this day charged before AO Butler Esquire [one] of His Majesty’s Special Magistrates [and] Justices of the Peace for the said State, for that at Sydney on the 21st May 1923 he did attempt to commit the abominable crime of buggery on Alan Noonan.
If, therefore, they the before mentioned persons shall appear at the next Central Criminal Court to be holden at Sydney in and for the State of New South Wales, on Tuesday the 5th day of June 1923, at ten of the clock in the forenoon and then and there give such evidence as they know, upon an information to be then and there preferred against the said defendant for the offence aforesaid, to the jurors who shall pass upon the trial of the said defendant. Then the said recognizance to be void, or else to stand in full force and virtue.
[Signed] FM Wood, JP.
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Charge Case No.
For hearing at the Children’s Court, on the 23rd day of May 1923 from No. 3 Police Station.
Name and age of Defendant: William Albert Cameron (37)
Date and Hour of Apprehension: 22.5.1923. 3 pm.
Name of Apprehending Officer: Sergeant Lavelle and Constable Swift
In Charge Book Signed, name and address of person signing it:– -----
Act and Section under which Charge Laid: 40/1900/SEC. 81.
Offence: At Sydney on the 21st day of May 1923, did attempt to commit the abominable crime of buggery on one Alan Noonan.
Accused consenting, remanded to 1st June, 1923.
Bail self in £100, with two sureties in £50 each, or one surety in £100.
[Signed] A Ormonde Butler, SM.
Children’s Court, Sydney, 23rd May 1923.
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Record of Proceedings, S. 153 “Justices Act, 1902.” as amended by the Justices (Bail)
Amendment Act, 1918.”
New South Wales
TO WIT. }
On this 22nd day of May 1923 we, William Albert Cameron of 76 Garden Street, Alexandria and Charles Dennett 32 Henderson Road, Alexandria do personally appear before RR Marden Sergeant of Police at No. 3 Police Station, Darlinghurst and acknowledge ourselves to owe to His Majesty the King the sums following, viz:– The said William Albert Cameron the sum of one hundred pounds and the said Charles Dennett the sum of one hundred pounds each, to be made of our several goods and chattels, lands and tenements, respectively, if the said William Albert Cameron shall fail in the following condition, that is to say: that he shall appear on the 23rd day of May 1923 at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at the Children’s Court, Sydney before such Justice or Justices as may then be there to answer to the charge of attempt to commit the crime of buggery on a male person in respect of which he is now in custody, and be further dealt with according to law.
[Signed] WA Cameron, Charles Dennett.
Taken and acknowledged on the date first above written, before me.
[Signed] RR Marden Sergeant of Police, at No. 3 Police Station.
24
No. 63
Recognizance of Bail on an Adjournment of a Hearing.
(Divisions 1 and 2, “Justices Act, 1902.” Section 34 and 69)
State of New South Wales, Sydney
TO WIT. }
Be it remembered, that on this 23rd day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty three William Albert Cameron of 76 Garden Street, Alexandria carter in the State of New South Wales, (hereinafter called the defendant) and his surety Charles Dennett of 32 Henderson Road, Alexandria in the said State, grocer personally came before me, the undersigned, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said State, and severally acknowledged themselves to owe to our Sovereign Lord the King the several sums following, that is to say: the said defendant the sum of one hundred pounds, and the said surety the sum of one hundred pounds each of good and lawful money of Great Britain, to be made and levied of their several goods and chattels, lands and tenements respectively to the use of our said Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, if the said defendant shall fail in the following condition, that is to say:– that he, the said defendant, shall personally appear on the first day of June 1923 at 10 o’clock in the forenoon at the Children’s Court, Sydney, in the said State, before such Special Magistrate in and for the Metropolitan Police District in the said State, as may then be there to answer further to a charge of attempt to commit the crime of buggery and to be further dealt with according to law.
[Signed] WA Cameron, C Dennett.
Taken and acknowledged the day and year first above mentioned at Sydney in the said State, before me.
[Signed] FM Wood, JP.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
[On the depositions’ cover sheet is the following]
Central Criminal Court,
Sydney,
5th June 1923
AG’s No. ----
Depositions.
CS’s No. 15
Rex
v.
William Albert Cameron
Attempt to commit buggery
Committed at: Children’s Court
on: 1st June 1923
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Criminal Court.
Date. May 19th 1923 [sic]
Cor. James Judge.
Plea. Not guilty
Verdict. Guilty Buggery on both counts
Judgment. 3 years hard labour 1st count
1 year hard labour on second count. To be concurrent.
Mr [WT] Coyle KC
Crown Prosecutor
Note.– In event of postponement, it should be stated whether accused admitted to bail.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Indecent assault on a male
[Initial illegible]
7/6/23
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Justice AGF James’s notebook 4 & 5
121
[Central Criminal Court, Sydney] 18 June 1923
Rex v William Alfred Cameron
Cameron 18/6/23
Mr Coyle KC
Mr Young with Mr Small
Alan Noonan:– 9½ years of age. 164 Barcom Avenue. Monday 21st May – playing (in ?) boys yard – Vincent de Paulo 6 – playing in Barcom Avenue shortly (?) 5 o’clock. Man came along in cart waggon (?) white & brown horses. Swinging board with Rexona sign. That is the man. He was in Barcom Avenue. We said: will you give us a ride – he said: jump up. I was sitting left side & he said to sit alongside him. The others were sitting in back – drove to Excelsior Hotel Barcom Avenue & West Street. He said: jump off & come to lavatory. I jumped off.
122
He closed the door to take pants down. He took them down – he put his private into my body. He said: don’t do it hurts. 7 It hurt. He told me to lie over seat & he did the same again. I felt it right in. I didn’t see it at all. He was (touching ?) my private to [sic]. After he did that I put my pants up – not to tell me anyone – when he came back he would give 6d. & my mates 3d. I told Vincent de Paul something, ran down – went home. I saw my mother. I told her & my father came down, went to man. Went up to Police Station. Saw a line of men & identified that man as the man
123
who took me into the lavatory & put his private into me.
Cross-examined. Darlinghurst Public School. 4a in Big School.
Re-examined. I told mother, father & police that man down there. Ordinary seat.
Vincent de Paulo. 10 years old. A man with 2 horse lorry – one brown & one white – sign on back started with R. It was swinging. Picks out man in dock. Alan got up near driver. Drove up to Hotel don’t know, corner of Barcom Avenue & West Street. He got off with Alan, went round corner of West Street. Down at corner saw Alan again. He stayed in wagon about 10 minutes after he came back. He jumped on & drove his horses.
124
Went to laundry & jumped off. I saw a row of men. Asked to pick out the man in the cart. I picked out the right man, the man in the dock.
Cross-examined. Waggon was in Barcom Avenue couldn’t see him any more – one boy picked the wrong man. Monday 21st May. Saw it on calendar at Police Station. Asked to take date & keep it in mind.
Catherine Noonan. He came in about 5, saw him again about 5.20. Pale frightened. Something terrible to tell you. Gives story. Noticed (semen ?).
Cross-examined. Appeared to be a mark on it. Never (discovered ?).
125
Arthur Taylor. Morris has several lorries – only two advertise Rexona – a big shield hung on back of two lorries. He calls for loads. I know accused.
Frederick Hannan. Manager for William Morris – 2 was Rexona to lorry during (?) – that day grey & a bay. Went up to Rexona & one delivery of (?) to Darling Point betw
Cross-examined. Certificate marked (paid ?)
Deposition:–
Anthony Lavelle. On 21st May saw Alan Noonan. Saw accused at W. Morris’. I said belong to Police, am making enquiries &c. He said: yes. What colour horse. They are grey & bay. Have a brand name Rexona. Only adult.
126
Turned up Barcom Avenue into Oxford Street. 4 or 5 boys got on lorry. One of the boys has informed me – assaulted by a man – &c. Do you know anything about that. He said: no. Took him for identification. Took him to (yard ?) (Had ?) (?) (men ?) – wearing bag (aprons ?). He said he was satisfied. Alan Noonan called in – see if you can see man &c. Went over to accused & said: that is the man. Vincent de Paulo.
Cross-examined. Very candid. 2 boys Sampson.
Crown case closed.
127
Accused gives evidence. [William Albert] Cameron. Married man live with wife & 2 children – remember 21st May. Employed Morris. Alright hop up. Pulled up at Hotel – corner of West Street & Barcom Avenue. Jumped off & had a drink. Came back & drove home – some boys jumped off. & went Sergeant saw me – told him everything. Didn’t go anywhere else except bar. Didn’t go into lavatory.
Cross-examined. I know Alan Noonan. (sure ?) he was sitting on side of me on seat – asked (me ? him ?) to get on seat. I left all the boys on cart when I got off – 2 or 3 on waggon. Don’t know the lavatory. Convicted of thieving before the war. 8
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Tue 19 Jun 1923 9
“LIABLE TO LIFE”
————
OFFENCE ON CHILD
————
“A MARRIED MAN
————
William Albert Cameron, who was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of having committed an offence against a child at Darlinghurst, on May 21, was sentenced by Mr Justice James to-day.
He was awarded three years hard labor on the first charge and one year on the second count, the sentences to be concurrent. His Honor remarked that accused was liable to penal servitude for life, but he would take a risk under Section 442.
Maybe I have not the power to do that, he added.
It was stated that accused was a married man with two children.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 19 Jun 1923 10
LAW NOTICES.
————
…
CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
Walter Paul Rose, conspiracy and false pretences (to be postponed); Donald Charles Anderson and Frank Stainsbury Wallis-Taylor, break, enter, and steal (to be postponed); Louis Solomon, indecency; William Albert Cameron, indecency.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Daily Telegraph, Wed 20 Jun 1923 11
CRIMINAL.
———
(Before Mr Justice [AGF] James.)
Crown Prosecutor: Mr WT Coyle, KC.
Convicted on Two Counts.
William Albert Cameron was charged at the Central Criminal Court with having committed a serious crime, at Sydney, on May 21. There was a second count of a lesser offence. Mr Small (instructed by Messrs RD Meagher, Hogarth, and Company) appeared for the defence.
Accused, who was convicted on both counts, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with hard labour, on the first count, and to one year’s imprisonment on the second count the terms to be concurrent.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 20 Jun 1923 12
CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
(Before Mr Justice James.)
Crown Prosecutor, Mr WT Coyle, KC.
ASSAULT ON A BOY.
William Albert Cameron was charged with committing an offence on a boy 9 years of age. The accused, who was defended by Mr Small (instructed by Messrs RD Meagher, Hogarth, and Co.) was found guilty on two counts of the indictment, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour on the first and one year’s imprisonment with hard labour on the second count, the sentences to be concurrent.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
William Albert Cameron, Gaol photo sheet 13
![SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6109], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 17 Mar 1923-11 Aug 1923, No. 19467, p. –.](/images/trials/1923-Cameron-6109-gaol-photo-19467.jpg "SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6109], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 17 Mar 1923-11 Aug 1923, No. 19467, p. –.") |
Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details
No. 19467
Date when Portrait was taken: 20-6-1923
Name: William Albert Cameron
|
Native place: Sydney Year of birth: 12-2-1886 Arrived Ship: Trade or occupation Religion: C of E Education, degree of: R & W Height: 5' 2¾" Weight On committal: 161 Colour of hair: Brown Colour of eyes: Brown |
Marks or special features: Scar on inside heel of right thumb |
|
(No. of previous Portrait ... ) CONVICTIONS |
|||||
|
Where and When |
Offence. |
Sentence |
|||
|
Redfern PC CC Court |
9 19 |
10 6 |
1917 1923 |
Stealing 1) Buggery |
£10-0-0 or 3 months H.L. 1) 3 years H.L. |
1 SRNSW: NRS880, [9/7271], Supreme Court, Papers and depositions, Sydney, Jun 1923, No. 15. Emphasis added.
2 To view William Albert Cameron’s WWI digitised service record go to: www.naa.gov.au/
3 Mn: Bailed 1.6.23
4 SRNSW: NRS6150, [7/9146], Judiciary, AGF James, J. Notebooks Criminal, 1920-33, pp. 121-127. Emphasis added.
5 Augustus George Frederick James was born at Sydney 30 Oct 1866 the son of Rev George James, one of the earliest Methodist ministers of NSW. Justice James also was a brother of the late Rev ASC James, who figured prominently in the Presbyterian ministry. James was admitted to the Bar on 7 Mar 1891, and received a brief on the first day. He was an MLA for the NSW seat of Goulburn from 1907-20. He was appointed an acting Supreme Court Judge during 1920. His appointment was confirmed 6 Jan 1921 and held office until his death, at his home at Woollahra Point, on 27 Feb 1934. Known popularly as “the sporting Judge” because of his keen interest in various fields of sport– he was a well known figure at the Stadium, and had more than a superficial knowledge of boxing–he was always greeted by his intimates as “Gus.” an abbreviation of his first given name, Augustus. Mr Justice James was not a stickler for judicial etiquette. His methods were unconventional. He rarely bowed to the Bar on taking his seat on the Bench, and it was of little concern to him if members of the Bar bowed to him. As a mark of respect to the late Judge, the Full Bench of the Supreme Court assembled in the NSW Banco Court. He was buried on Wed 28 Feb in the family grave at Rookwood cemetery’s Methodist section. Sources: The Sun, Tue 27 Feb 1934, p. 9. The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 28 Feb 1934, p. 14. The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 1 Mar 1934, p. 6.
6 aka Vincent de Paul.
7 This sentence inserted in text later. Meaning not clear unless speaker is the boy.
8 Document ends abruptly here.
9 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 19 Jun 1923, p. 5. Emphasis in original.
10 The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 19 Jun 1923, p. 6. Emphasis added.
11 The Daily Telegraph, Wed 20 Jun 1923, p. ?.
12 The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 20 Jun 1923, p. 10.
13 SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6109], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 17 Mar 1923-11 Aug 1923, No. 19467, p. –.