Darcy Dugan
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| Darcy Dugan | |
|---|---|
 Darcy Dugan, police photo 1949.
Image from the State Library of New South Wales |
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| Born | 1920 |
| Died | 1991 |
| Conviction(s) | Bank robbery |
Darcy Ezekiel Dugan (1920 - 1991) was an Australian bank robber and New South Wales' most notorious prison escape artist. [1] He is said to be the last Australian criminal to be lauded as a folk hero. [2]
Darcy Dugan committed numerous armed holdups, robbing banks[2] and even a hospital.[2] However he became more famous for his daring escapes than for his initial crimes.[2]
In 1947, Darcy Dugan escaped from a prison tram which was transporting him between Darlinghurst Courthouse and Long Bay Gaol.[3] As the tram passed the Sydney Cricket Ground, Dugan used a kitchen knife to saw a hole through the roof, through which he escaped. The tram is still kept today at the Sydney Tramway Museum.[4]
After another prison escape, Dugan reportedly left behind a note scrawled on the wall of his cell which read, "Gone to Gowings." [5]
[edit] References
- ^ Larrikin thief's last gamble marks his grave. The Sydney Morning Herald (2002-11-06). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
- ^ a b c d Celebrity criminals. The Sydney Morning Herald (2006-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
- ^ Bakery Bulletin. Hurstville City Council (2002). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
- ^ Sydney Tramway Museum. NineMSN Getaway (2001-07-19). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
- ^ Slang - Gone to Gowings. ABC Radio Canberra (2002-01-22). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
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