Disgraced policeman Roger Rogerson relocated to prison hospital over failing health
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When we tune into the evening news, it isn't uncommon to see snippets of heroic efforts by the men and women in blue. Police officers hold a special place in our collective consciousness: they're the brave ones who keep the streets safe and the criminals at bay.
But what happens when the protector becomes the perpetrator?
We delve into the riveting tale of one such officer gone rogue–Roger Rogerson, one of Australia's most infamous ex-policemen, whose deeds have now cost him his freedom and slowly seem to be taking a toll on his health too.
At 82, Roger Rogerson finds himself in the hospital ward of Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Centre, suffering from a mysterious, debilitating illness.
Once an admirable officer celebrated for his bravery, Rogerson is now a prisoner serving life for his criminal undertakings and, perhaps most notably, for the murder of Jamie Gao, a 20-year-old drug dealer, in 2014.
Recently told that he is to die in jail, the senior convict is reportedly facing rapid health deterioration, with limited use of his arms. Despite his ailing physical condition, reports suggest he remains mentally sharp. A formidable adversary in his better years, Rogerson seems to be fighting his new battles from within the walls of a prison hospital.
The path to Rogerson's current plight winds through various instances of high-profile criminal activity, with the murder of Jamie Gao standing out among the rest. Gao was tragically found dead, wrapped in a tarp, in the waters off Cronulla in South Sydney–a horrific outcome of a $3 million drug deal gone wrong.
The cases around Rogerson and his nefarious deeds are many, as tangled webs of corruption allegations started surrounding him in the 1980s. He was once the subject of professional admiration, particularly after the lawful shooting of armed criminals Phillip Western and Lawrence 'Butchy' Byrne.
Sadly, his hero status began to erode when he fatally shot heroin dealer Warren Lanfranchi in Chippendale in 1981. It was alleged that Lanfranchi was unarmed and was trying to bribe Roger Rogerson.
After that incident, waves of allegations followed–from Rogerson's involvement in the heroin trade to splitting proceeds from armed robberies–culminating in charges for the attempted murder of detective Michael Drury.
Rogerson's brushes with infamy were so eyebrow-raising they made it to the small screen. His illicit exploits were documented in the TV drama series Blue Murder, leading to the immortalisation of his deeds in popular culture.
Though once a respected cop and recipient of multiple bravery awards, his decisions led him down a path that ultimately landed him in the grips of the law, stripped him of his freedom, and plunged his life into a downward spiral.
With former detective Glen McNamara, Rogerson was put behind bars in 2016 for Jamie Gao's murder.
He submitted an appeal in March, but the response from the High Court has been clear: Roger Rogerson, once a law enforcer, will spend his remaining years in prison, possibly even drawing his final breath there.
In such a tale, there are no winners. Though justice has been served, one cannot help but question the cost of these actions–a young man’s innocent life, a once-admired cop’s reputation in tatters, and multiple families torn apart by the corrupt affairs.
What do you think of this story, dear members? Let us know in the comments below!
But what happens when the protector becomes the perpetrator?
We delve into the riveting tale of one such officer gone rogue–Roger Rogerson, one of Australia's most infamous ex-policemen, whose deeds have now cost him his freedom and slowly seem to be taking a toll on his health too.
At 82, Roger Rogerson finds himself in the hospital ward of Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Centre, suffering from a mysterious, debilitating illness.
Once an admirable officer celebrated for his bravery, Rogerson is now a prisoner serving life for his criminal undertakings and, perhaps most notably, for the murder of Jamie Gao, a 20-year-old drug dealer, in 2014.
Roger Rogerson was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jamie Gao. Credit: True Crime TV/Youtube
The path to Rogerson's current plight winds through various instances of high-profile criminal activity, with the murder of Jamie Gao standing out among the rest. Gao was tragically found dead, wrapped in a tarp, in the waters off Cronulla in South Sydney–a horrific outcome of a $3 million drug deal gone wrong.
The cases around Rogerson and his nefarious deeds are many, as tangled webs of corruption allegations started surrounding him in the 1980s. He was once the subject of professional admiration, particularly after the lawful shooting of armed criminals Phillip Western and Lawrence 'Butchy' Byrne.
Sadly, his hero status began to erode when he fatally shot heroin dealer Warren Lanfranchi in Chippendale in 1981. It was alleged that Lanfranchi was unarmed and was trying to bribe Roger Rogerson.
After that incident, waves of allegations followed–from Rogerson's involvement in the heroin trade to splitting proceeds from armed robberies–culminating in charges for the attempted murder of detective Michael Drury.
Rogerson's brushes with infamy were so eyebrow-raising they made it to the small screen. His illicit exploits were documented in the TV drama series Blue Murder, leading to the immortalisation of his deeds in popular culture.
Though once a respected cop and recipient of multiple bravery awards, his decisions led him down a path that ultimately landed him in the grips of the law, stripped him of his freedom, and plunged his life into a downward spiral.
With former detective Glen McNamara, Rogerson was put behind bars in 2016 for Jamie Gao's murder.
He submitted an appeal in March, but the response from the High Court has been clear: Roger Rogerson, once a law enforcer, will spend his remaining years in prison, possibly even drawing his final breath there.
In such a tale, there are no winners. Though justice has been served, one cannot help but question the cost of these actions–a young man’s innocent life, a once-admired cop’s reputation in tatters, and multiple families torn apart by the corrupt affairs.
What do you think of this story, dear members? Let us know in the comments below!
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