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Squizzy Taylor You might expect a lengthier list of criminal activity on the police record of one of Melbourne’s most notorious underworld figures, but Brighton-born Squizzy Taylor had a knack for getting others to do his dirty work. EDITORIAL ANTHONY LONCARIC
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quizzy, who was born Joseph Leslie Theodore Taylor, ruled Melbourne’s underworld in the 1920s and was involved in murder, prostitution, armed robberies, the sale of illegal liquor, cocaine trafficking and race fixing. He was never one to shy away from the media spotlight and even starred in a movie about his life with girlfriend Ida Pender in 1923. He was often seen at drinking and gambling clubs and frequently attended the races. Between 1913 and 1916 Squizzy was linked to the murder and robbery of commercial traveller Arthur Trotter and the burglary of the Melbourne Trades Hall, in which a Victoria Police constable was killed. He was also tried and acquitted for the murder of William Patrick Haines, a driver who refused to take part in the hold up of a bank manager in Eltham. Squizzy spent time in prison for robbing a city bond store and harbouring a convicted murderer who escaped from Pentridge Prison. He was killed in a gunfight with Sydney underworld figure John Snowy Cutmore on 27 October, 1927 aged 39. His criminal record, fingerprints and mug shots are on permanent display at the Victoria Police Museum located at the Victoria Police Centre, 637 Flinders Street, Melbourne. The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife
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The historic Carlton Police Station building, which was believed to have once held gangland figure Squizzy Taylor, was sold by the State Government for more than $3million to a private consortium in July. The 135-year-old heritage listed building, located on 334-344 Drummond Street, was closed for use as a police station in August 2010. It included six bluestone jail cells and 19 principal rooms on a 992 square metre site.
SHORT CRIMINAL .01 Squizzy’s fingerprint set, recorded under one of a number of different names he gave to police. .02 His police record did not match his reputation as one of Melbourne’s most feared underworld figures. .03 A snappy dresser, Squizzy was often seen at drinking and gambling clubs and attending the races.
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