Once a Copper: The Life and Times of Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy
Once a copper, always a copper. At least that's how it seems for Brian 'The Skull' Murphy, long-retired but sought out by a trail of journalists and cops who regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia's toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty. It is these two sides to the complex man that intrigue audiences to this day.
A non-drinking, Catholic family man, The Skull didn't fit the 1950s police mould and often found himself on the outer among his colleagues. Dodging crooks and corruption on both sides of the thin blue line, The Skull carefully cultivated a reputation for being a 'mad bastard'. Over 40 men felt the sting of his bullets, and many more felt the sting of his fists.
But behind Australia's toughest cop lay a personal secret of sexual abuse which Murphy shares publicly for the first time, in the hope that it will help others. This abuse formed the kind of police officer he later became — tough on the bad guys, but fiercely protective towards victims.
Once a Copper explores the many facets of The Skull’s story. Starting on the mean streets of South Melbourne, to his early years as a policeman, then his fight against police corruption. No one was off-limits to Skull Murphy who used his street smarts to outwit the wiliest of crooks. He formed enemies of an epic nature – among them was Great Bookie Robber, Ray ‘Chuck’ Bennett. Indeed, when Bennett was gunned down in broad daylight, Murphy was an early suspect (he swears he was nowhere near the Magistrates’ Court that day). Notorious hitman, Christopher Dale Flannery, once had The Skull in his sights, as did the infamous Painters and Dockers. He wore his unpredictability like a shield of steel, and courted unlikely informers like killer, Dennis Allen.
Much has been written about The Skull’s escapades, but few have explored the method behind the madness.
Awards: Ned Kelly & Davitt Award (longlisted)
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2018 | 9780648066330 | 304 pages | Paperback | 234 x 154 mm | True Crime
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crime, police, policing, cop, copper, true crime, true stories, toughest cop
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Praise for Once a Copper
‘A very compelling insight into the [Victorian] Police Force of yesterday … I kept thinking of what Winston Churchill said in the British Parliament: The opposition occupies the benches in front of you, but the enemy sits behind you.’
— Les Twentyman, National youth advocate
With today's political correctness and strict rules of conduct, there will never be another big personality copper like Brian 'The Skull' Murphy. This is his story.
“This book captures the gritty reality of the life of Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy, almost the last of the ‘old school’ coppers. The legend of ‘The Skull’ lives on in this unique book.”
Vikki Petraitis has written over a dozen Australian true crime books. Her best-selling book about Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, remains a classic in the genre. Her focus on the human element of crime has earned her multiple awards and accolades, and she is in demand as a speaker and teacher of creative writing. Read more.