Even ‘God’ made mistakes

Bundaberg, like the rest of Australia, always lapped up a gory story, dating back to the days of "the Pressler trial" following the bloody murder of his cane farmer neighbours in what was apparently a love triangle gone horribly wrong.

This is how that outcome was reported: "May 15, 1959: 30-year-old Marjorie Frances Golchert and her 33-year-old husband Clifford John Golchert, 33, were bashed and shot to death by their neighbour, Neville William Pressler, at their home in Kalkie, Queensland. Marjorie and Clifford were found four days after their deaths with a .22 rifle and a half eaten apple nearby. Police spent six weeks searching across Queensland for their killer. Pressler flew under the radar, even acting as a pallbearer at the funeral of the Golcherts. On July 1, police arrested him…"

This latest shooting fortunately wasn't a murder, but it had elements of our wild frontier days which I was sure our readers would enjoy. I typed my colourful copy that night on a battered old Remington and handed it to Rod, the chief night sub.

"Great story, John, I'll run this as the lead on page 3".

That was good to hear. Page 3 was almost as good as page 1, which was usually reserved for important national or international news in those days.

I felt chuffed as I went back to report the main talking points among the Red Cross ladies.

Then the phone rang. It was one of the city's prominent solicitors acting for the defendant, who wanted to talk to me about the court case. His suspicions had been aroused by the fact there was no reporter present. He had guessed I may have spoken to the prosecutor or a police witness. I confirmed I had.

"What did they tell you?"

"Well they outlined their case against your client. They told me what happened".

" You can't print any of that! None of it was stated in court, it was just another appearance and an adjournment to a later date while we prepare our defence".

"I've already handed the report in. It's probably being type-set by now".

"Hold everything. I'm coming down there right now!"