Mick Gatto pays tribute to hitman James Bazley
CARLTON identity Mick Gatto has paid tribute to hitman James Frederick Bazley, who died last Thursday.
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CARLTON identity Mick Gatto has paid tribute to hitman James Frederick Bazley, who died last Thursday aged 92.
Bazley was suspected of killing anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay in one of Australia’s greatest unsolved crimes.
“Deepest and sincerest condolences to Lillian, Brad, Vernita and all the Bazley family,” Gatto said in a tribute in the Herald Sun.
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“Jimmy was a very loyal, staunch friend. Mick Gatto and family. REST IN PEACE.”
It is believed Bazley was paid $10,000 to kill Mr Mackay, who was shot in the car park of the Griffith Hotel on July 15, 1977.
Bazley, who was the nation’s oldest known contract killer, has had ailing health for several years.
In 1986, Bazley was convicted over the double murder of drug couriers Douglas and Isabel Wilson — who were part of the ‘Mr Asia Drug Cartel’, and found guilty for the conspiracy to kill Mr Mackay.
He also was convicted for armed robbery.
But Bazley, remarkably, had a life sentence reduced to 15 years, walking free from a country prison in 2001.
He lived most of his days out in Carlton North with his wife Lillian before being moved into a nursing home several years ago.
Bazley remained in contact with underworld players until his death and was known to Carlton Crew identities such as Mario Condello.