A little bit of justice : the story of Charlie Flannigan - the first man to be executed in the Northern Territory of South Australia / researched & compiled by Donald J. Christophersen

"Don Christophersen has researched and written this book on a very important part of Northern Territory history in the early 1890's. This is the story of the life and times of Charlie Flannigan and his execution for the murder of Sam Croker, the Manager of Auvergne Cattle Station. It is a horrifying story because of the cruel treatment and injustice inflicted on Charlie Flannigan during 1892-1893. It is also an inspiring story. Charlie Flannigan was a talented artist. Whilst incarcerated in Fannie Bay Gaol he was given sheets of drawing paper. Under the most difficult circumstances he produced sketches that bring us aspects of the Northern Territory at that time. Charlie pleaded NOT GUILTY. There was some evidence which pointed to self defence. This issue was never raised or argued at trial. The author has researched the expressions of outrage from the community. The South Australian Government refused an application to commute his execution to life imprisonment. A substantial delegation approached the South Australian Government arguing that an injustice was occurring. Their submissions were to no avail, and Charlie Flannigan was executed on the 15th July 1893. In writing this history the author has shone the light on redressing the injustice."--Foreword.