Inquest: Roger Rogerson and Sydney crime lord Abe Saffron seen with WA detectives close to time Shirley Finn was murdered

A FORMER police officer has told an inquest into the gangland-style killing of a Perth brothel madam how he witnessed Sydney crime lord Abe Saffron and corrupt cop-turned-killer Roger Rogerson drinking with WA detectives at a hotel around the time of the murder.

Roger Rogerson in custody at the King Street Supreme Court in Sydney in June 2016. Picture: Adam Yip

A FORMER police officer has told an inquest into the gangland-style killing of a Perth brothel madam how he witnessed Sydney crime lord Abe Saffron and corrupt cop-turned-killer Roger Rogerson drinking with WA detectives at a hotel around the time Shirley Finn was murdered.

Laurie Tyler, a former detective at the former Criminal Investigation Branch, gave evidence before coroner Barry King, who continues to hold the inquiry into Ms Finn’s murder in 1975. He told the court he had a clear memory of spotting the two high-profile Sydney identities in the company of Detective Bernie Johnson — the then-head of WA vice-squad — and Mick Reed, who was in charge of the Finn investigation.

Former detective Laurie Tyler leaves the Magistrates Court on Monday. Picture: Michael Wilson

Shirley Finn was a brothel owner in Perth when she was shot four times in the head.

Mr Tyler said while he could not say whether he saw the group before or after Ms Finn was shot in the head four times in June 1975, it was definitely in that year.

He also said he had a memory of mentioning Mr Saffron’s presence to the officer in charge of the murder investigation and to other police at the time.

“I thought it was something to take note of,” Mr Tyler said. He said that years later, when the rumours about Johnson’s involvement in Ms Finn’s brutal slaying were well-known, as were Rogerson’s crimes, he realised the possible significance of the meeting and its timing.

Bridget Shewring, daughter of murdered Perth brothel madam Shirley Finn, has pushed for a coronial inquest into her mother’s 1975 murder.

Mr Tyler also told the coroner about a so-called “Purple Circle” of corrupt and influential officers in the force at the time which was restated by another former police officer witness Robin Thoy.

Mr Thoy, an officer for 29 years, said that it was well known among police that Johnson was the head of the so-called circle, recruiting officers with invitations to perform corrupt duties and then be favoured for them.

A previous witness at the hearing said Sydney crime figure Arthur “Neddy” Smith had flown to Perth the day before the murder.

MORE: ‘NEDDY’ SMITH FLEW TO PERTH TO KILL SHIRLEY

MORE: ROGERSON QUESTIONED OVER SHIRLEY FINN MURDER

MORE: WITNESS TO FINN MURDER BREAKS 42-YEAR SILENCE

A witness has said Arthur “Neddy” Smith flew into the Perth the day before Shirley Finn was murdered.

Former detective Laurie Tyler has given evidence saying he saw WA detectives drinking with Rogerson and Saffron.

Frank Carter, via phone, confirmed he knew Smith well, had once shared a cell with him in prison and that he had met police witness Jim Boland in 1975.

But when asked whether he had informed Boland of his presence in Perth in June 1975, or that he had told police he could be Ms Finn’s killer, Mr Carter laughed and denied the claim.

“I wouldn’t have a clue why he would say that … it is f***ing news to me,” Mr Carter said.

MADAM WITH DETECTIVES ‘JUST BEFORE MURDER’

During later questioning by a lawyer for Ms Finn’s daughter Bridget, Mr Carter became angry at suggestions of co-operation with police.

“I would not have made a deal with anyone in a f***ing uniform,” Mr Carter said via phone link.

The inquest continues.