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Once a Copper: The Life and Times of Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy
Once a copper, always a copper. At least that’s how it seems for Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy, long-retired but sought out by a trail of journalists and cops who regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia’s toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty. It is these two sides to the complex man that intrigue audiences to this day.
A non-drinking, Catholic family man, The Skull didn’t fit the 1950s police mould and often found himself on the outer among his colleagues. Dodging crooks and corruption on both sides of the thin blue line, The Skull carefully cultivated a reputation for being a ‘mad bastard’. Over 40 men felt the sting of his bullets, and many more felt the sting of his fists.
But behind Australia’s toughest cop lay a personal secret of sexual abuse which Murphy shares publicly for the first time, in the hope that it will help others. This abuse formed the kind of police officer he later became — tough on the bad guys, but fiercely protective towards victims.
With today’s political correctness and strict rules of conduct, there will never be another big personality copper like Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy. This is his story.
A non-drinking, Catholic family man, The Skull didn’t fit the 1950s police mould and often found himself on the outer among his colleagues. Dodging crooks and corruption on both sides of the thin blue line, The Skull carefully cultivated a reputation for being a ‘mad bastard’. Over 40 men felt the sting of his bullets, and many more felt the sting of his fists.
But behind Australia’s toughest cop lay a personal secret of sexual abuse which Murphy shares publicly for the first time, in the hope that it will help others. This abuse formed the kind of police officer he later became — tough on the bad guys, but fiercely protective towards victims.
With today’s political correctness and strict rules of conduct, there will never be another big personality copper like Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy. This is his story.
- GenresTrue Crime
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 9, 2018
I was fortunate to read a pre-publication copy of ‘Once a Copper’ the Life and Times of Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy by Vikki Petraitis.
Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy, is a long-retired police officer but journalists regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia’s toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty.
A non-drinking, Catholic family man, Brian did not fit the accepted mould of a 1950’s police officer and he didn’t care. Over 40 men fell to his bullets, and more felt his fists.
Australia’s toughest cop, for the first time, also shares a personal secret of sexual abuse, in the hope that it will help others. It was this abuse that made Brian the type of police officer he became: tough on the criminals but with empathy and a great feeling of protection towards the victims.
‘Once a Copper’ is an excellent book, written with the full co-operation of Brian Murphy, and well-researched by Vikki Petraitis, who is Australia’s foremost true-crime writer.
Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy, is a long-retired police officer but journalists regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia’s toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty.
A non-drinking, Catholic family man, Brian did not fit the accepted mould of a 1950’s police officer and he didn’t care. Over 40 men fell to his bullets, and more felt his fists.
Australia’s toughest cop, for the first time, also shares a personal secret of sexual abuse, in the hope that it will help others. It was this abuse that made Brian the type of police officer he became: tough on the criminals but with empathy and a great feeling of protection towards the victims.
‘Once a Copper’ is an excellent book, written with the full co-operation of Brian Murphy, and well-researched by Vikki Petraitis, who is Australia’s foremost true-crime writer.
November 20, 2019
What a character! You'd think he was made up with all the adventures he got into, but it's amazingly all true. How times have changed for the police. A great read, lots of fun and astonishing stories.
July 11, 2020
My goodness!!
It was great reading this book. To see what it was like for Australian police in the era of cops like Brian Murphy was fascinating.
It was so easily to read - woven as stories and biographical. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from someone with the nickname ‘skull’ but I absolutely loved hearing all his stories and experiences.
Vikki did a fabulous job with the story, and had such a beautiful flow to her writing.
It was great reading this book. To see what it was like for Australian police in the era of cops like Brian Murphy was fascinating.
It was so easily to read - woven as stories and biographical. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from someone with the nickname ‘skull’ but I absolutely loved hearing all his stories and experiences.
Vikki did a fabulous job with the story, and had such a beautiful flow to her writing.
August 20, 2019
A well-written and thoroughly entertaining book about an old style 'copper' with a quick temper and a heart of gold. Brian Murphy is the sort or person you'd love to have as a friend, but watch out if you cross him! The book is also a fascinating look at policing as it used to be - how different it is today!
December 20, 2020
Really enjoyed learning about how Melbourne used to be. This story was very entertaining and informative. I love the honesty portrayed in the book. Even though these people would kill you as soon as look at you they still had great respect for his family. The book portrays a side to our beautiful city I am glad I don't live in. Hopefully the police get better wages nowadays.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
Enjoyed this book. Pretty sure he is a good guy....mostly....but a great read
March 24, 2019
Great book about a true character of a policeman.....
March 31, 2025
A great story of an awesome man!
As a retired cop myself, I found many similarities in the story of “Skull” Murphy and mine. It is a book I highly recommend to anyone, cops, civilians, and everyone in between. 5 stars for me.
As a retired cop myself, I found many similarities in the story of “Skull” Murphy and mine. It is a book I highly recommend to anyone, cops, civilians, and everyone in between. 5 stars for me.
January 8, 2025
excellent reading.
The very interesting life of a wonderful man.
Fascinating to recall those times in Melbourne and the way the Police Force worked.
The very interesting life of a wonderful man.
Fascinating to recall those times in Melbourne and the way the Police Force worked.
March 3, 2020
Loved the book and breezed through it, a great read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews