Ex-cop Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy dead after a colourful career marked with highs and lows

Former police officer Brian “The Skull” Murphy has been remembered for his “unorthodox” policing style and his relationships with underworld figures.

Brian 'The Skull' Murphy was described as a polarising character.

Colourful former police officer Brian “The Skull” Murphy has died.

Mr Murphy, 90, was regarded as a tough cop who dealt with the hardest of criminals before his “unorthodox” policing style landed him in trouble.

Described as a “polarising” character, few knew the underworld as well as “The Skull”, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Murphy also had strong views on police command.

Mr Murphy’s ‘unorthodox’ policing style landed him in trouble.

His career was marked with highs and lows.

It included being charged and acquitted of manslaughter and later awarded the force’s highest honour, the Valour Award, for his bravery in the line of duty.

Mr Murphy, a non-drinker, had relationships with underworld figures such as career criminal Dennis Allen, which would come under scrutiny.

He also had his enemies, such as the infamous bank robber Raymond “Chuck” Bennett.

When Bennett was shot in the old Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in 1979, Murphy would become, for a time, a suspect.

He publicly denied it.

Mr Murphy leaves behind his wife, Margaret, and five children.