Michael Doyle

Michael Doyle was a policeman in Redan,.

History
Doyle was the Senior-constable in charge of the Redan Police Station. When it was reported that he was leaving in October 1881, this letter was written to the paper: "REMOVAL OF CONSTABLE DOYLE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR. Sir, —I see by advertisement that it is the intention of the department to remove Constable Doyle from the Redan district. Now, Sir, in my opinion it is a grave mistake for the department, district, and the gentleman concerned. I have known the Redan district for more than a quarter of a century. During that time I have seen many changes, but a more painstaking or efficient officer cannot come to the district. He is honest, strict, and just. Yours, &c., THOS CARVOSOE. 98 Ripon street, Ballarat, 9th October."

Doyle shot himself at the Ballarat Police Station on 21 December 1882: "Suicide of a Constable - BALLARAT. Thursday Evening. What at present appears a case of most determined suicide occurred at about 1 o'clock this afternoon, at the city police station, Lydiard street, when Constable Michael Doyle deliberately shot himself twice through the heart, and once in the left thigh, causing instantaneous death. Deceased had been a member of the force for upwards of twenty years and was forty-one years of age. He lately resigned his position, in the force as Senior-Constable, in charge of the Redan Police-station, for the purpose, it was alleged, of entering another branch of the Civil Service, and was entitled to receive about £320 retiring allowance. From a statement made by Constable Corrigan, deceased was talking to him in front of the barracks, and suddenly left, and proceeded to the room of the barracks where the revolvers and accoutrements of the mounted police were placed. When inside he had evidently gone to the rack, and taken off a revolver belonging to Constable Beckman, then walked about 15ft. to the fireplace, and put the muzzle of the weapon close to his left breast, and pulled the trigger twice. Corrigan, on hearing the reports, at once rushed in, accompanied by Constable O'Keefe, and found Doyle lying at full length on his back, with the revolver grasped in his right hand. He was quite dead, and so close had he placed the weapon that his coat was on fire from the explosion of the powder. His features were perfectly calm, and he resembled more the appearance of a man quietly sleeping than a man who had 'lived and suffered death.' The only cause that can be assigned for the commission of the deed is that Doyle was in pecuniary difficulties. An inquest will be held to-morrow afternoon by Mr. Coroner Thomson, P.M.."