Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930 - Flipbook - Page 114
Skidmore and Davidson re-appeared in Broken Hill Police
Court on 2 March 1927. Magistrate Atkinson noted that Davidson
had previous convictions including having an unlicensed gun,
while Skidmore was a first offender (although the two bullet
wounds on his left forearm might suggest a past not devoid of
violence or affray). The magistrate declared that the unlawful
use of motor cars was far too common and as a deterrent to
others, sentenced both men to six months hard labour. Skidmore
was ‘bewildered’ by this decision and asked for it to be
repeated, after which he replied, “It’s a bit hard, isn’t it?”
Both men served their sentences at Broken Hill Gaol.
Skidmore was released on 9 July 1927 and Davidson on
18 July 1927.
Jim Skidmore was also known as James Campbell, and
under this name he re-appears in the NSW Gaol Photographic
Description Books in 1929. He was convicted of shooting with
intent to murder and sentenced to seven years penal servitude.
His appeal of the conviction was unsuccessful. The same year,
he was convicted supplying cocaine and sentenced to twelve
months hard labour.
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