Dean Case, The

In 1885, George Dean, a Sydney ferry boat Captain, was accused of attempting to poison his wife. Dean, having saved six passengers from drowning, was a local hero. The verdict of guilty outraged the public and the popular press took up cudgels. Citizens formed Dean Defence Committees. Dean's lawyer Richard Meagher, realised his hoped-for political career could benefit from the publicity. His partner, William 'Paddy' Crick, championed Dean's cause in parliament, and a Royal Commission was set up to examine fresh evidence and decide whether Dean should be released.