Queen v Edward Kelly murder file - Snr Constbale Johnston's statement re Edward Kelly Queen v Edward Kelly murder file - Snr Constbale Johnston's statement re Edward Kelly

This document is found in a larger file of reports and statements from witnesses to the Kelly Gangs various crimes, that was put together to prepare for Kellys trial. Inspector W.B. Montfort of Benalla seems to have been responsible for collecting evidence from local witnesses that might have a bearing on the case. Some of the respondents to Montforts questions later gave formal evidence before the local magistrate that were included in the prosecution brief. In this two page statement, dated 7 July 1880, Snr. Constable Johnston responds to Montforts earlier request for a summary of his dealings with Kelly. Montfort was particularly interested to know whether Kelly admitted to the murder of Sergeant Kennedy at Stringy Bark Creek. As can be seen, Johnston cannot confirm this admission, which may be the reason that the pencilled instruction in the margin to be put into the brief was not carried out. Neither copy of the prosecution brief PROV holds contains Johnstons evidence. On the second page, Johnston has included a clipping of Ned Kellys interview by Mr. Gale, a reporter from the Daily Telegraph. Alongside the clipping is a note dated 9 July 1880 from Inspector Montfort, requesting that the reporters identity be concealed. The rationale behind this request is so that Mr Gale may continue to supply the police with information about the criminal class.