Charles O'KEARNEY

In Laidley at 11pm on the night of 15 September 1904, Sergeant McFoyle and Constable 1/c Charles O'Keamey arrested a man named John McFadden for making use of profane language and for misbehaving himself. Another man named Walter Peacock went to McFadden's aid but was talked out of interfering by his brother who then removed him from the scene by force.

After conveying McFadden to the lockup, McFoyle and O'Keamey resumed to the street where a considerable crowd had gathered. During the absence of the police, Walter Peacock had mounted his horse, and on appearance of the two police officers, abused them and anyone else who had helped with McFadden's arrest. Peacock became very animated and any attempt to arrest him was frustrated by the horsemanship and aggressive tactics of the rider.

Peacock tried time and time again to run the two officers down and in the final instance moved at full gallop down the street towards O'Kearney and McFoyle. He swerved, hitting O'Kearney and knocking him over. O'Keamey hit his head and fractured his skull. Although assistance to the injured officer was rendered quickly, O'Kearney died at 6am on 16 September 1904.

James Walter Peacock was committed to trial on 4 October 1904 on the offence of wilful murder of Constable 1/c Charles O'Kearney. He was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to three years’ hard labour.