New evidence on Mickelberg case referred to Police Royal Commission

10/6/02 Attorney General Jim McGinty today announced that he had referred to the Police Royal Commission significant new evidence relating to the conviction of the Mickelberg brothers over the 1982 Perth Mint swindle.

10/6/02
Attorney General Jim McGinty today announced that he had referred to the Police Royal Commission significant new evidence relating to the conviction of the Mickelberg brothers over the 1982 Perth Mint swindle.
Other relevant investigative agencies had also been informed and asked to investigate.
Mr McGinty said he was gravely concerned by the new evidence, which had been provided by former police officer Anthony Lewandowski, who was a key member of the police team that investigated the 20-year-old gold swindle.
The Attorney General said that on Thursday last week, Mr Lewandowski provided a sworn affidavit to the director of Public Prosecutions, stating that he and former CIB chief, the late Don Hancock, fabricated evidence and gave false testimony at the Mickelbergs' trial.
The affidavit states that:

  • the 'confessions' of all three brothers - Peter, Raymond and Brian Mickelberg - were fabricated;
  • that both Mr Lewandowski and Mr Hancock lied during the original trial and also at subsequent appeals; and
  • that Peter Mickelberg was stripped naked and punched while being questioned by the two police officers at the Belmont CIB office.
Mr Lewandowski said he had only now come forward because he did not feel he could go against the wishes of Don Hancock while he was alive.
Mr McGinty said he had referred the affidavit to the Police Royal Commission on Friday, as soon as possible after he became aware of it. He understood the DPP had now also provided a copy to Peter and Raymond Mickelberg.
The Attorney General said that if the affidavit was truthful, it would strike at the heart of public confidence in the police and the justice system.
"This is one of the most high-profile police investigations we have seen in Western Australia, and if it was found that convictions were obtained by police fabricating evidence, the ramifications are enormous," he said.
Mr McGinty said he would consult with the Mickelbergs about how the matter should progress, but it was crucial that a thorough investigation now took place.
Attorney General's office: 9220 5000