Whiskey Au Go Go inquest: Call to bring Roger Rogerson before court

Notorious killer cop Roger Rogerson is the last person alive who knows what happened during James Finch’s Whiskey Au Go Go confession, an inquest has been told.

Notorious killer cop Roger Rogerson should be called to give evidence at an inquest into the Whiskey Au Go Go firebombing because he is the last person alive who knows what really happened during James Finch’s controversial confession, lawyers have argued.

Rogerson, a former NSW detective, is serving a life sentence for the murder of drug dealer Jamie Gao.

The former police officer was sent to Queensland in 1973 to help investigate the deadly arson attack on the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub and allegations it may have been linked to Sydney criminals.

Defence barrister Chris Minnery, who represents McCulkin family murderer Vincent O’Dempsey, on Thursday made an application in the Brisbane Coroners Court seeking to have Rogerson called to give evidence at the ongoing inquest.

Mr Minnery said Rogerson was the last person alive who was in the room when James Finch, one of two men convicted of the deadly arson attack, gave his record of interview to police.

Finch’s interview has been a point of controversy amid claims he may have been ‘verballed’ by police officers.

“In my submission the importance of Mr Finch’s confession, it was always very important and it’s become even more important,” Mr Minnery said.

“…of all the people who signed that written confession that Mr Finch made, there is only one person left alive and that person is Roger Rogerson.

“So the only person left alive who can comment on what happened at the time that confession was made, if in fact it was, is Mr Rogerson.”

Mr Minnery said Rogerson could also comment on claims the Whiskey fire was linked to interstate criminal activity.

Roger Rogerson during his murder trial in 2016

“And he’s the only one who can give direct evidence of not just the advice he was able to give as to Sydney criminals, but also what the position was in relation to Sydney criminals at the time,” he said.

“True it is that Mr Rogerson has since been convicted of murder and is currently in custody in New South Wales, but there is more than one witness that is going to give evidence before your honour who has been convicted of murder.”

Defence lawyer Calvin Gnech, who acts for retired police officer John Kolence, also joined in the application.

“There’s absolutely no doubt now the legitimacy of the confession and record of interview of Finch is central to these proceedings,” Mr Gnech said.

This issue been around for nearly 50 years and as I’m sure Your Honour can appreciate, that given the passing of time and the age of all of these witnesses, this inquest will be the last time for any questions to be answered.

“There’s no more chances, this is the last chance.”

It’s understood that if Rogerson was called to give evidence, it would likely take place via videolink from New South Wales.

“The fact of the matter is there is significant utility in ensuring the final or the last standing living witness to the confession is compelled to give evidence,” Mr Gnech said.

Counsel assisting the coroner Stephen Keim said Rogerson’s lawyer had previously advised that the former detective would not consent to giving evidence at the inquest.

He said he believed it unlikely Rogerson being called to give evidence would help progress the case, given previous refusals to provide a statement or co-operate with the investigation.

State coroner Terry Ryan is expected to deliver his decision on Friday.