REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Friday, April 21, 1989

MODERN technology finally came to the Gold Coast justice system with the introduction of videotaping of police interviews with suspects.

Police Minister Russell Cooper announced the move, hailed as a victory for both police and crims.

One of those who welcomed the new system was Raewyn Mannix, whose son Barry had been arrested and charged with the murder of his father, Kevin.

Police claimed he had confessed to the crime and he was sent for trial but months later he was released after another man, convicted of another killing, confessed.

Barry Mannix claimed he had been “verballed” by police – something the government said could not happen with a videotaping system.

The same day as videotaping was introduced to the police, the Gold Coast’s first venture on to the national rugby league scene was in turmoil with the resignation of Gold Coast Giants general manager Colin Hayes.

Hayes was a convicted starting price bookmaker who had given evidence at the Fitzgerald Royal Commission into Queensland police corruption. The NSW Licensing Court alleged he was not a fit and proper person to run the Seagulls team and he stood down.

And in the best news of the day, Justice Minister Paul Clauson told Diggers they wouldn’t be arrested for playing two-up on Anzac Day.

That was despite the fact it was only legal to play the game at the state’s two casinos – at Broadbeach and Townsville.