Whiskey Au Go Go inquest: Bid to bring Roger Rogerson before court approved

A dramatic bid to haul disgraced killer cop Roger Rogerson – the last person alive who may be able to give direct evidence – before the Whiskey Au Go Go inquest has been approved.

Disgraced NSW cop Roger Rogerson will be called to give evidence at the Whiskey Au Go Go firebombing inquest.

Rogerson, a former New South Wales police detective, is currently 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.

Killer cop Roger Rogerson during his trial for the 2014 murder of Jamie Gao. Picture: Adam Taylor / Newspix

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.

Today State Coroner Terry Ryan approved the application saying Rogerson would be called to give evidence.

Mr Ryan noted submissions that put Rogerson at the watchouse when James Finch and John Stuart were charged over the fire. He also brought to the investigation his knowledge of Sydney criminals and may be able to give direct evidence of Finch being interviewed, Mr Ryan said.

He said Rogerson could apply to have the order for his appearance set aside.

Despite his tainted history Rogerson worked on some of NSWs biggest cases during his 27-year career.

Often labelled Rodger the Dodger by media he became a highly decorated officer winning 12 commendation awards.

Charged over the 1984 shooting of undercover police officer Michael Drury, who survived, Rogerson was acquitted of trying to bribe and conspiring to murder him.

Sacked from the police force in 1986 for misconduct, he spent nearly four years in jail in the 1990s for perverting the course of justice.

He was jailed again in 2005 for 12 months for lying to the Police Integrity Commission.

In 2016 was found guilty over the murder of Sydney student Jamie Gao and the supply of drugs.

Originally published as Whiskey Au Go Go inquest: Bid to bring Roger Rogerson before court approved