You can help by adding to it. March Proceedings at the Rockhampton Circuit Court, presided over by Justice Alfred Lutwyche , commenced on 16 March where Thomas John Griffin was indicted for "feloniously, wilfully, and of malice aforethought, kill and murder Patrick Cahill and John Power".
After being asked if he had any reason why he shouldn't receive the death penalty , Griffin made a lengthy statement before the Justice Lutwyche made his closing remarks: Thomas John Griffin, you have been found guilty, by a jury of your countrymen, of the crime of wilful murder, and I can say sitting in my place here, I never heard circumstantial evidence of guilt more satisfactory, or more conclusive.
I will add little to give you more pain. My own feelings are deep and painful enough when I see you in your position, convicted of a crime unparalleled in the annals of Australian history. I am unequal to the task of expressing the pain, the anguish, and the horror I feel. His was the first of nine legal executions that took place in Rockhampton between and He appeared to maintain his innocence prior to his death denying his guilt to everyone he saw in the prison including Reverend Alexander Smith from the Presbyterian Church who spent time with Griffin before his death.
Smith had earlier complained to the Attorney-General about the police magistrate denying him entry on the grounds that Griffin belonged to the Church of England rather than the Presbyterian Church.
I have nothing to confess! The revolver he is said to have shot Cahill and Power with went to Carella Station, near Jundah on the Thomson River but was destroyed in a fire. Turnkey Alfred Grant was said to have witnessed Griffin pacing up and down in his cell muttering before declaring: "It's no bloody good, I did it!
