VPRS 4966 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 1 Document: Police history

circa. 1873

Overview

Victorian prisons were quick to use the still-new technology of photography to create records of those who passed through their doors. The prison record featured here carries copies of two photographs of Ned Kelly, both probably taken by Charles Nettleton who worked on contract to Pentridge prison until the early 1880s. The first was taken in June 1873, five months after Kelly’s transfer to Pentridge from Beechworth prison, and half-way through his sentence for receiving a stolen horse. The second photograph was taken a week before Kelly’s release on 2 February 1874.

Documents like this were created by prisons to be forwarded to the police at the time of the prisoner’s release. The police referred to these pages for the person’s criminal history. This particular record was forwarded to the Penal and Gaols Branch of the Chief Secretary’s Department on 11 March 1874.

In 1880 the record was forwarded to the Prosecution for Kelly’s trial, with instructions that the photographs were to be returned to Chief Commissioner Nicolson.

Kelly’s own version of the events that led to the various convictions recorded here can be found in the Jerilderie letter.

Transcribed text			Image
[initials]	No.10926 [193] Name, Edward Kelly [74/1648] Native Place, Victoria Year of Birth, 1856 Arrived in Colony: Ship - Year - Bond or free - From where, - Religion, R. Catholic On Conviction On Discharge Education- read or write Both Both Height 5.10 Weight 11. 4 Build Med Complexion Sallow Color of Hair D.brown Color of Eyes Hazel Trade or Calling Laborer Particular Marks, Scar top of head, 2 scars crown of do, scar front of head, eyebrows meeting, 2 natural marks between shoulder blades, 2 freckles lower left arm scar back of left thumb, scar back of right hand, scar left thumb When and where convicted, 2nd August 1871 Genl. Sessions Beechworth Offence, Receiving a stolen horse Sentence, 3 years H. L. Remarks, Freedom by remission February 2nd 1874 (above photo left: No. 925 Date, 24 1 74) (above photos right: No. 466 Date, 20 6 73) Criminal History and Remarks- 3 mos. for assault 3 mos. for obscene language 12 mos. for assault in default of bail/bail found/ - these convictions on same date at Wangaratta Police Ct. [To be returned to Detectives Office Melbourne] Robt Gardiner Superintendant 14.3.73 [end of page 2]		VPRS 4966 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 1 Document: Police history   VPRS 4966 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 1 Document: Police history