Inside Story: a Cop's True Tales: 33 Years in the New South Wales Police Force, 1966-1999 - Sgt. Brian Stallworthy

"One day we were driving along and Obe said “Did you see that motorcyclist?” I said “No, you're the bloody observer.” Obe said“There was something funny about him. Wheel around and we'll have a look at him.” So around we went and wheeled him over. This little aboriginal bloke got off his bike and I said “Good morning rider, could I see your rider's licence please?” He said “Ya know I thought you was gunna arx me dat. I ain't got one, but I got a car licence mate.” I said “Where you goin’ on the cycle?” He said “Blacktown mate, goin’ ta see me brudder.” I said “Where you hail from?” He said “Kempsey, mate. Left there real early this mornin’. You know I ain't had nuthin ta eat since yesterdee afternoon and look at this.” He shook the bike. “No bloody petrol left, mate, can't afford any of dat either, don't look like I'm gunna git there.” Obe was listening to this conversation. I was standing right on top of the bloke, and I thought I was a very observant copper. Then Obe said “What about your tin lid?” gesturing toward his helmet. “Ah shit, I was ‘opin ya wouldn't notice dat, brudder. Can't afford one of them either.” So Obe said “Well, what’s it made of?” “It’s a Norco ice cream container. I put a plastic strap through ‘er and painted ‘er black. Ya not gunna give me a ticket are ya? I got no money so can't afford to pay ya.” It cost me $5 that day. I bought him a hamburger and a can of coke and put $3 worth of petrol in the tank. We told him we were going north, he was going south and if any other coppers stopped him he never saw us and we never saw him! I hope he got there and saw his brudder".

Never a dull moment! Funny things can happen and make it an interesting day, and then other days can be bloody terrible.....

Retired Sergeant Brian Stallworthy has compiled a series of anecdotal stories of some of his true encounters with the public, some tragic, some side splittingly funny.

Signed by Author.