CONCORD TRAGEDY.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 46, 24 April 1930, Page 10

CONCORD TRAGEDY.

SHOOTING OF "CONSTABLE'S WIFE

At the conclusion of a an inquiry con cerning the death of Eileen Mabel Brady 2i» wife of constable Brady the Parramatta District Coroner (Mr H. Richardson Clark), found tnat Mrs Brady died from the effects of a bullet wound accidentally received while struggling with her husband for the possession of a revolver and that no blame was attached to Brady. The Coroner also found that Brady at no time had the revolver in. his hands. The inquiry had been adjourned from last Thursday.

Richard Henry Hicks, bail magistrate at the Central Police Court, said that" 11 a.m. on February 23, he saw the deceased at the Western: Suburbs Hospital. She said, "Bill didn't do it. It, was an accident. *' He then Administered the oath and took her dying depositions. At the time Mrs; Brady appeared to be rational and sensible and fully understood all that was said to her. She appeared to him as one of the most sensible witnesses from whom he had ever taken deposi-

tions.

: William Samuel Dodd, a machinist, said that at 7.30 a.m. on February 23, Brady called at his residence, saying, c<Come over the road, my wife's shot. " On the way across Brady said to witness "My wife got the revolver to shoot me. I tried to take it from her and she shot herself." Oir entering the front room witness saw Mrs Brae lying on the. floor

and she was nude, except for a stocking on one leg. Brady was an industrious man. On January 10 witness had seen Mrs Brady strike her husband twice. Brady only endeavoured to ward off the blows, and then walked1 to a corner of the garden.

Annie Marie Sullivan^ sister of Mrs Brady (recalled) stated that when she saw. deceased in the Western Suburbs Hospital on February 23^ Mrs Brady said: "Bill did it. He stripped me naked, belted me with a hallstand and chairs and then shot me. I would talk

a great deal more only there are too many about" At the time Mrs Brady had a large bruise on herforehead and another mark on her wrist and thumb, which was also blue. Her arm was also mandagedvr To Mr White -witness said that on one occasion had she and her sister entered a hotel -together. William Charles Brady ,a first-class constable of police,; stationed at No. 2 Police Station, Sydney, stated that when he home on February 22 the house was empty and he retired about 10 p.m. Some time after midnight Mrs Bnutyy returned home drunk. She abused him, struck him on the mouth and then threw a small disinfectant spray at him. He retired to his room, locking the door. The following morning when he arose he met his wife in the hallway. She was clad only in a singlet and a stocking, and wa.s under the influence of liquor. When he pleaded with her to remain at home she threw several articles at him. Saying "I'll fix you>" she rushed into the bedroom, where she took his revolver holster and revolver. When she opened the holoer cup he caught her by both arms but she tore at the pouch with one and. He forced her against the bed, and she sat down on the mattress, which tilted. Hib wile had often threatened him her finger on the trigger and it exploded. His wife had often threatened with with bottles and on one occasion had attempted to eat a glass. He tried to do everything'he could to reform her. Hehad borrowed his father's money to secure a home for her at Concord. He produced three pawn tickets1 showing that Mrs Brady* had pawned sheets and a watch there was no need for her to .have done so.

The Coroner said that Brady's innocence had been demonstrated. The dying dispositions of Mrs Brady which were taken two or three hours after the shooting demonstrated that Mrs Brady shot herself by accident, and that her husband did. not shoot her. Mrs Sullivan's statements did not" seem to be probable. "Brady has an honourable record and I think he is a' witness of truth. His conduct is blameless," concluded'the Coroner.