Lawyers offer $2000 reward for keepsake stolen by jewellery thief

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Lawyers offer $2000 reward for keepsake stolen by jewellery thief

By David Estcourt

For 128 years, there has been a little-known tradition among Melbourne’s top barristers who take on a hefty pro bono case.

In recognition of a colleague’s efforts in a significant case for which they’ve charged no fee, the lawyers have been handing down a small, silver cigarette box, engraved with the latest recipient’s name.

The case was handed down to John Nimmo in 1962, Richard McGarvie in 1975, Frank Vincent in 1983, Dyson Hore-Lacey in 1995, Julian Burnside in 2005, and Julian McMahon in 2015.

The case was handed down to John Nimmo in 1962, Richard McGarvie in 1975, Frank Vincent in 1983, Dyson Hore-Lacey in 1995, Julian Burnside in 2005, and Julian McMahon in 2015.

In March, the case was stolen among other items from Owen Dixon Chambers on William Street, and although the case is of little financial value, the Victorian Bar is offering a $2000 reward for its return.

The story of the case dates back to 1895, when Walter Coldham gave it to fellow barrister Herbert Bryant, with a note saying: “In recognition of your readiness to uphold the highest traditions of an advocate and to appear without fee for those unable otherwise to afford your services”.

Since then, the case has been passed down to others and had more recently been housed inside a locked display cabinet in the foyer of the chambers.

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In 2005, it was given to Julian Burnside, QC, for his work helping refugees. In 2015, it was passed on to Julian McMahon, SC, for defending the lives of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, ringleaders of the so-called Bali Nine, executed in Indonesia for drug trafficking.

“The wonderful thing about the cigarette case is knowing who has held it and had it on their desk,” McMahon said.

“One of the nine names was Eugene Gorman, who fought in both World War One and Two, and who fought against the death penalty. I am proudly in Gorman Chambers now.

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“When I think of names like McGarvie, Vincent, Hore-Lacey and Burnside, and what their careers represent in terms of fighting for justice for their clients or society, it just feels like such a loss that one little memento which links them all is suddenly gone.”

On March 5, jewellery thief Bobby Hudson followed a staff member into the barrister’s chambers and stole the historic memorabilia, as well as a medal and two bracelets also on display.

Julian Burnside, QC, and Julian McMahon, SC, both have their names inscribed on the case.

Julian Burnside, QC, and Julian McMahon, SC, both have their names inscribed on the case.

When he pleaded guilty to the theft, police estimated the combined value of Hudson’s haul at almost $100,000.

Although Hudson was apprehended not far from the scene of the crime, the bar has not yet recovered the cigarette case.

Victorian Bar president Roisin Annesley, QC, said: “It carries the names of those barristers that are highly respected for their extraordinary commitment to pro bono work, who have given tremendously of themselves in the service of others.”

“We are offering a substantial reward. The cigarette case is of little value to anyone else but the Victorian Bar.”

The current theory, Annesley said, is that the thief dropped or disposed of the cigarette case somewhere in central Melbourne, so the Bar hopes its reward will lead to its return.

“We are hoping that someone may have picked it up while in the city and still have it somewhere,” Annesley said.

Other names inscribed on the case include John Barry in 1935, John Nimmo in 1962, former Supreme Court judge and Victorian governor Richard McGarvie, QC, in 1975, and former Supreme Court justice Frank Vincent, QC, in 1983.

Burnside said he hopes it can be found.

Speaking from the UK, Vincent said: “It has been a mark of personal respect for the recipient’s actions representing the rights of the vulnerable without fee. I was really proud when I received it from the late governor Richard McGarvie.”

He said this is the second time the case has been stolen. “It had been taken from my room in the Supreme Court. I paid a reward to an individual who claimed to have found it.”

Hudson, also known as Bobby Vangarden, was charged with offences including trespass with the intent to steal, committing burglary while on bail, car theft and obtaining property by deception. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in April.

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