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Ronald Ryan was born Ronald Edmond Thompson in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1925.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ronald Ryan was born Ronald Edmond Thompson in Carlton, Victoria, in 1925, not Sydney, New South Wales.
Ronald Ryan's mother, Cecilia Thompson, married John Ronald Ryan after her first husband died in World War I.
Answer: False
Explanation: Cecilia Thompson's first husband died in 1927, after World War I, and she married John Ronald Ryan in 1929.
Ronald Ryan adopted the name 'Ronald Joseph Ryan' after his confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church, where he took Joseph as his confirmation name.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan adopted 'Joseph' as his confirmation name in 1936, subsequently preferring to use 'Ronald Joseph Ryan'.
Ronald Ryan's sisters were declared wards of the state and sent to the Good Shepherd Convent in 1937 due to their father's criminal activities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's sisters were declared wards of the state in 1937 due to perceived neglect, not specifically their father's criminal activities, and were sent to the Good Shepherd Convent.
During his youth in New South Wales, Ronald Ryan supported his family by working as a clerk and sending money to his mother.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his youth in New South Wales, Ronald Ryan supported his family through activities like sleeper cutting and kangaroo shooting, sending money to his mother, not by working as a clerk.
At age 20, Ronald Ryan rented a house in Balranald for his mother and sisters, while his father remained in Melbourne and died a year later from phthisis tuberculosis.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that at age 20, Ronald Ryan rented a house in Balranald for his mother and sisters, and his father died a year later in Melbourne from phthisis tuberculosis.
Ronald Ryan converted to the Church of England for his marriage to Dorothy Janet George but later converted back to Catholicism before his execution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan converted from Roman Catholicism to the Church of England for his marriage, and later converted back to Catholicism shortly before his execution.
Ronald Ryan's first legal troubles involved an acquittal for arson in Warragul in 1953, followed by charges for passing bad cheques.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's legal troubles began with an acquittal for arson in Warragul in 1953, followed by subsequent charges for passing bad cheques.
During his first prison sentence at Bendigo Prison, Ronald Ryan was considered a problematic inmate and frequently disciplined.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his first prison sentence at Bendigo Prison, Ronald Ryan was considered a model prisoner by authorities and was actively studying for his Matriculation, not a problematic inmate.
After his parole in 1963, Ronald Ryan immediately resumed his criminal activities, focusing on bank robberies.
Answer: False
Explanation: After his parole in 1963, Ronald Ryan began a new pattern of criminal activities involving robbing butcher shops and blowing safes, not immediately focusing on bank robberies.
Ronald Ryan received an eight-year prison sentence in 1964 for breaking and entering, which led to his incarceration at Pentridge Prison.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan received an eight-year prison sentence in 1964 for breaking and entering and theft, leading to his incarceration at Pentridge Prison.
Where was Ronald Ryan born in 1925?
Answer: Carlton, Victoria
Explanation: Ronald Ryan was born in Carlton, Victoria, in 1925.
What was the circumstance of Cecilia Thompson's marriage to John Ronald Ryan?
Answer: They married in 1929, after her first husband's death in 1927.
Explanation: Cecilia Thompson married John Ronald Ryan in 1929, two years after her first husband's death in 1927.
What happened to Ronald Ryan's three sisters in 1937?
Answer: They were declared wards of the state and sent to a convent.
Explanation: In 1937, Ronald Ryan's three sisters were declared wards of the state and sent to the Good Shepherd Convent.
How did Ronald Ryan primarily support his family during his youth in New South Wales?
Answer: By engaging in sleeper cutting and kangaroo shooting.
Explanation: During his youth in New South Wales, Ronald Ryan supported his family by working with his half-brother in activities such as sleeper cutting and kangaroo shooting.
What was Ronald Ryan's father's cause of death?
Answer: Miners' disease, phthisis tuberculosis.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's father died from miners' disease, phthisis tuberculosis, at the age of 62.
What religious conversion did Ronald Ryan undergo for his marriage to Dorothy Janet George?
Answer: From Catholicism to Anglicanism.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan converted from Roman Catholicism to the Church of England for his marriage to Dorothy Janet George.
Which of the following was NOT one of Ronald Ryan's early legitimate occupations?
Answer: Bank teller in Melbourne.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's early legitimate occupations included trainee mechanic, timber cutter, and painter, but not a bank teller.
What was Ronald Ryan acquitted of in Warragul in 1953, marking the beginning of his legal troubles?
Answer: Arson.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan was acquitted of arson in Warragul in 1953, which marked the beginning of his legal troubles.
How was Ronald Ryan regarded by authorities during his first prison sentence at Bendigo Prison?
Answer: As a model prisoner actively studying for Matriculation.
Explanation: During his first prison sentence at Bendigo Prison, Ronald Ryan was considered a model prisoner by authorities and was actively studying for his Matriculation.
What new pattern of criminal activity did Ronald Ryan engage in after his parole in 1963?
Answer: Robbing butcher shops and blowing safes with explosives.
Explanation: After his parole in 1963, Ronald Ryan began a new pattern of criminal activities that involved robbing butcher shops and using explosives to blow their safes.
What led to Ronald Ryan's eight-year prison sentence at Pentridge Prison in 1964?
Answer: Charges of breaking and entering and theft after a shop robbery.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan received an eight-year prison sentence in 1964 for charges of breaking and entering and theft following a shop robbery.
Ryan's escape plan from Pentridge Prison was motivated by his desire to expose corruption within the prison system.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ryan's escape plan was primarily motivated by the news that his wife was seeking a divorce, and his intention to flee to Brazil with his family, not to expose prison corruption.
Peter John Walker, Ryan's accomplice, was serving a 12-year sentence for bank robbery when he joined Ryan's escape plan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Peter John Walker was serving a 12-year sentence for bank robbery when he decided to join Ronald Ryan's escape plan from Pentridge Prison.
During the initial escape, Ryan and Walker took prison officer Helmut Lange hostage and forced him to open the correct gate immediately.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the initial escape, prison officer Helmut Lange deliberately pulled the wrong lever, delaying their exit, and Ryan had to force him back upstairs to open the correct gate.
Brigadier James Hewitt, the prison chaplain, was rifle-butted by Ryan after stating he did not have his car available.
Answer: True
Explanation: Brigadier James Hewitt, the prison chaplain, was rifle-butted in the head by Ryan after he stated he did not have his car available for the escapees.
Prison officer George Hodson was disarmed by Peter Walker before Hodson ran towards the armed Ronald Ryan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prison officer George Hodson disarmed Peter Walker, but Walker managed to get free, and both men then ran towards the armed Ronald Ryan.
George Hodson was shot by Ronald Ryan with a single bullet that entered his right chest and exited an inch lower in his back, causing his death.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Hodson was struck by a single bullet that entered his right chest and exited an inch lower in his back, leading to his death, allegedly fired by Ronald Ryan.
What was Ronald Ryan's primary motivation for planning his escape from Pentridge Prison?
Answer: To reunite with his family and flee to Brazil.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's primary motivation for his escape plan was the news of his wife seeking a divorce, and his intention to flee with his family to Brazil.
What was Peter John Walker's criminal background before joining Ryan's escape?
Answer: He was serving a 12-year sentence for bank robbery.
Explanation: Peter John Walker was serving a 12-year sentence for bank robbery when he decided to join Ryan's escape plan.
What was the initial complication Ryan and Walker faced when trying to exit the prison tower with their hostage, Helmut Lange?
Answer: Lange deliberately pulled the wrong lever, delaying their exit.
Explanation: Prison officer Helmut Lange deliberately pulled the wrong lever, delaying Ryan and Walker's exit from the prison tower.
Who did Ryan rifle-butt in the head in the prison car park after demanding his car?
Answer: Brigadier James Hewitt, the prison chaplain.
Explanation: Ryan rifle-butted Brigadier James Hewitt, the prison chaplain, in the head after Hewitt stated he did not have his car available.
What was the trajectory of the bullet that killed George Hodson, according to the source?
Answer: It entered his right chest and exited an inch lower in his back.
Explanation: The bullet that killed George Hodson entered his right chest and exited an inch lower in his back.
After Hodson was shot, Ryan and Walker immediately commandeered a red Ford Falcon and fled the scene.
Answer: False
Explanation: After Hodson was shot, Ryan and Walker commandeered a blue Standard Vanguard sedan, not a red Ford Falcon, and fled the scene.
Ryan and Walker initially hid in a safe house in Kensington and then moved to Christine Aitken's flat in Elwood.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ryan and Walker initially hid in a safe house in Kensington provided by Norman Harold Murray, and the following day, they moved to Christine Aitken's flat in Elwood.
While on the run, Ryan and Walker robbed a bank, and Ryan used the warder's rifle during the robbery.
Answer: False
Explanation: While on the run, Ryan and Walker robbed an ANZ bank, but Ryan used a revolver, not the warder's rifle, during the robbery.
The Victorian Government offered a £6,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Ryan and Walker and warned that the 'Hanging Act was still in force.'
Answer: True
Explanation: The Victorian Government offered a £6,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Ryan and Walker and issued a warning that the 'Hanging Act was still in force.'
Peter Walker killed Arthur Henderson, Christine Aitken's boyfriend, during a party at Aitken's flat on Christmas Eve.
Answer: True
Explanation: Peter Walker killed Arthur Henderson, Christine Aitken's boyfriend, on Christmas Eve, having shot him in a Middle Park toilet block after they left a party at Aitken's flat.
Ryan and Walker were recaptured in Melbourne after a public tip-off and a police trap.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ryan and Walker were recaptured in Sydney, not Melbourne, after a public tip-off and a police trap near Concord Repatriation Hospital.
Upon recapture, police found only two pistols and a hacksaw in the escapees' car.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon recapture, police found a significant cache of weapons and tools in the boot of Ryan and Walker's car, including three pistols, a shotgun, two rifles, an axe, a jemmy, two coils of rope, a hacksaw, and two boiler suits.
What type of car did Ryan and Walker commandeer immediately after Hodson was shot?
Answer: A blue Standard Vanguard sedan.
Explanation: After Hodson was shot, Ryan and Walker commandeered a blue Standard Vanguard sedan.
Where did Ryan and Walker hide the day after their escape from Pentridge Prison?
Answer: At Christine Aitken's flat in Elwood.
Explanation: The day after their escape, Ryan and Walker moved to Christine Aitken's flat in Elwood, after initially hiding in a safe house in Kensington.
What weapon did Ronald Ryan use during the ANZ bank robbery while on the run?
Answer: A revolver.
Explanation: During the ANZ bank robbery, Ronald Ryan used a revolver, not the warder's M1 rifle.
What was the reward offered by the Victorian Government for information leading to the capture of Ryan and Walker?
Answer: £6,000.
Explanation: The Victorian Government offered a £6,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Ryan and Walker.
Where were Ryan and Walker eventually recaptured?
Answer: Sydney.
Explanation: Ryan and Walker were eventually recaptured in Sydney after fleeing there.
What was found in the boot of Ryan and Walker's car upon their recapture?
Answer: Multiple loaded firearms, an axe, a jemmy, and rope.
Explanation: Upon their recapture, the boot of Ryan and Walker's car contained three pistols, a shotgun, two rifles, an axe, a jemmy, two coils of rope, a hacksaw, and two boiler suits.
Ronald Ryan allegedly made three unrecorded verbal confessions to police, admitting to shooting Hodson, but he denied making them.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan allegedly made three unrecorded verbal confessions to police, admitting to shooting Hodson, but he denied making them, claiming he was 'verballed.'
The Gaols Act of 1958 made it clear that a killing during an escape felony automatically resulted in a murder charge, even without intent to kill.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gaols Act of 1958 stipulated that a killing by an act of violence during an escape felony, or in furtherance of its purpose, resulted in a murder charge, even without an actual intention to kill.
The Crown presented extensive ballistic evidence, including the fatal bullet and spent cartridge casing, to prove Ryan fired the fatal shot.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Crown's case presented no scientific evidence; Ronald Ryan's rifle was never scientifically tested, and the fatal bullet and spent cartridge casing were never recovered, meaning there was no ballistic evidence to prove Ryan fired the fatal shot.
Eyewitness testimonies in Ryan's trial were consistent, with all eleven witnesses agreeing they saw Ryan fire the fatal shot.
Answer: False
Explanation: Eyewitness testimonies in Ryan's trial varied significantly; while eleven witnesses saw Ryan aiming his rifle, only four testified to seeing him fire a shot.
The defense argued that Ryan's height and the bullet's downward trajectory suggested Hodson might have been shot from an elevated position or by another officer.
Answer: True
Explanation: The defense argued that Ryan's height and the bullet's downward trajectory made it improbable for him to have fired the shot if Hodson was standing upright, suggesting an alternative shooter or elevated position.
The prosecution successfully countered the trajectory theory by presenting witnesses who saw Hodson running in a stooped position.
Answer: False
Explanation: The prosecution countered the trajectory theory by arguing Hodson *could* have been running in a stooped position, but no witnesses actually saw or testified to him running in such a position.
Ronald Ryan was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, while Peter Walker was found guilty of manslaughter for Hodson's death.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan was convicted of George Hodson's murder and sentenced to death, while Peter Walker was found not guilty of Hodson's murder but guilty of manslaughter.
The jury found the rifle's 'hair trigger' claim to be accurate, which supported the defense's argument of accidental firing.
Answer: False
Explanation: The jury found the rifle did not have a 'hair trigger' and required considerable force to pull, contradicting the defense's suggestion of accidental firing.
What was Ronald Ryan's response to the alleged 'verbal confessions' he made to police?
Answer: He denied making them and claimed he was 'verballed.'
Explanation: Ronald Ryan denied making the alleged verbal confessions, claiming he had been 'verballed' (falsely accused).
According to the Gaols Act of 1958, what was the legal implication if a killing occurred during an escape felony?
Answer: The accused would be guilty of murder, even without an actual intention to kill.
Explanation: The Gaols Act of 1958 stipulated that if a killing occurred by an act of violence during an escape felony, the accused would be guilty of murder, even without an actual intention to kill.
What critical forensic evidence was missing from Ryan's trial?
Answer: The fatal bullet and spent cartridge casing.
Explanation: Neither the fatal bullet nor the spent cartridge casing from Hodson's shooting was ever found, preventing scientific forensic testing to identify the specific rifle.
How many eyewitnesses testified to seeing Ronald Ryan fire a shot during the escape?
Answer: Only four eyewitnesses.
Explanation: While eleven eyewitnesses saw Ryan aiming his rifle, only four testified to seeing him fire a shot during the escape.
What was the defense's argument regarding the bullet's trajectory and Ryan's height?
Answer: Ryan's height made it impossible for him to fire a downward-trajectory shot if Hodson was standing upright.
Explanation: The defense argued that Ronald Ryan's height, combined with the bullet's downward trajectory, made it improbable for him to have fired the shot if Hodson was standing upright.
What was the outcome of Peter Walker's trial for the murder of George Hodson?
Answer: He was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
Explanation: Peter Walker was found not guilty of George Hodson's murder but guilty of manslaughter, receiving a 12-year prison sentence.
What was the significance of the missing fatal bullet and spent cartridge casing in Ryan's case?
Answer: It prevented scientific testing to identify the specific rifle that fired the shot.
Explanation: The missing fatal bullet and spent cartridge casing prevented scientific forensic testing that could have identified the specific rifle that fired the fatal shot, potentially casting doubt on Ryan's guilt.
Juryman Tom Gildea stated that the jury believed Ryan's death sentence would be commuted to life imprisonment, as was common practice.
Answer: True
Explanation: Juryman Tom Gildea stated that the jury believed Ronald Ryan's death sentence would be commuted to life imprisonment, consistent with previous cases in Victoria.
Seven of the twelve jury members signed petitions requesting commutation of Ryan's death sentence after realizing he would be executed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Seven of the twelve jury members signed petitions requesting commutation of Ryan's death sentence after it became apparent the Victorian Government intended to carry out the execution.
Philip Opas appealed Ryan's verdict based on new ballistic evidence that emerged after the trial.
Answer: False
Explanation: Philip Opas appealed Ryan's verdict based on the argument that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence, highlighting inconsistencies and improbabilities, not specifically new ballistic evidence.
The Bolte Government cut legal aid to Ryan, preventing him from funding a petition to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bolte Government cut legal aid to Ryan and withdrew his lawyer's brief, effectively preventing him from funding a petition to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council granted Ronald Ryan leave for appeal, but the execution proceeded due to a technicality.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council refused Ronald Ryan leave for appeal, thereby exhausting his final legal avenue, and the execution proceeded.
Premier Sir Henry Bolte's cabinet was divided on Ryan's execution, with a majority opposing capital punishment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Premier Sir Henry Bolte's cabinet was unanimous in its decision to carry out Ryan's execution, despite some members personally opposing capital punishment.
Public protests against Ryan's impending execution included street demonstrations, petitions, and a two-minute suspension of ABC radio broadcasts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Public protests against Ryan's impending execution included widespread street demonstrations, numerous petitions, and a two-minute suspension of ABC radio broadcasts.
What did juryman Tom Gildea reveal about the jury's understanding of Ryan's death sentence?
Answer: They believed it would be commuted to life imprisonment.
Explanation: Juryman Tom Gildea stated that the jury believed Ronald Ryan's death sentence would be commuted to life imprisonment, as was common practice at the time.
How did the Bolte Government prevent Ryan from pursuing a petition to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council?
Answer: By cutting legal aid to Ryan and withdrawing his lawyer's brief.
Explanation: The Bolte Government cut legal aid to Ryan and directed the Public Solicitor to withdraw his lawyer's brief, thereby preventing him from funding a petition to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
What was the final decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council regarding Ronald Ryan's case?
Answer: They refused leave for appeal.
Explanation: The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council refused Ronald Ryan leave for appeal, exhausting his final legal avenue.
What was the outcome of the last-minute stay of execution based on John Tolmie's affidavit?
Answer: The stay was lifted after Tolmie was charged with perjury.
Explanation: The last-minute stay of execution based on John Tolmie's affidavit was lifted the next day after Tolmie was charged with perjury for making a false affidavit.
What was Premier Sir Henry Bolte's stance on Ronald Ryan's execution?
Answer: He insisted the death sentence be carried out, and his cabinet was unanimous.
Explanation: Premier Sir Henry Bolte insisted that Ronald Ryan's death sentence be carried out, and his cabinet was unanimous in this decision.
Which of the following was NOT a form of public protest against Ryan's impending execution?
Answer: A hunger strike by prison inmates across Australia.
Explanation: Public protests against Ryan's execution included street demonstrations, petitions, and an ABC radio broadcast suspension, but not a hunger strike by prison inmates across Australia.
Ronald Joseph Ryan was the last person legally executed in Australia, a practice abolished in all states by 1985.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Joseph Ryan's execution in 1967 marked the last legal application of capital punishment in Australia, a practice that was subsequently abolished across all states by 1985.
Ronald Ryan was executed at 8:00 am on Friday, 3 February 1967, at Pentridge Prison, followed by a silent protest from fellow prisoners.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan was executed at 8:00 am on Friday, 3 February 1967, at Pentridge Prison, and his fellow prisoners staged a silent protest by refusing to get out of bed and work.
Ryan's body was exhumed and cremated 40 years after his execution, then placed next to his ex-wife in Portland Cemetery.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's body was exhumed and cremated 40 years after his execution, and his remains were then placed next to his deceased ex-wife in Portland Cemetery.
An Epiphany Window was installed at St James the Great Anglican Church after Ryan's execution to commemorate George Hodson.
Answer: False
Explanation: An Epiphany Window was installed at St James the Great Anglican Church after Ryan's execution with a Latin inscription criticizing Premier Bolte for demanding capital punishment, not to commemorate George Hodson.
What historical significance does Ronald Joseph Ryan hold in Australia?
Answer: He was the last person legally executed in Australia.
Explanation: Ronald Joseph Ryan holds the historical significance of being the last person legally executed in Australia, with his hanging preceding the abolition of capital punishment across all Australian states.
What were Ronald Ryan's last words to the hangman?
Answer: God bless you, please make it quick.
Explanation: Ronald Ryan's last words to the hangman were, 'God bless you, please make it quick.'
What protest did Ronald Ryan's fellow prisoners stage at the time of his execution?
Answer: They staged a sit-in, refusing to work or obey orders.
Explanation: At the time of Ronald Ryan's execution, his fellow prisoners staged a protest by refusing to get out of bed, staging a sit-in, and refusing to work or obey orders.
What happened to Ronald Ryan's remains 40 years after his execution?
Answer: They were exhumed, cremated, and placed next to his ex-wife.
Explanation: Forty years after his execution, Ronald Ryan's remains were exhumed, cremated, and placed next to his deceased ex-wife in Portland Cemetery.
What was the purpose of the Epiphany Window installed at St James the Great Anglican Church after Ryan's execution?
Answer: To criticize Premier Bolte for demanding capital punishment.
Explanation: The Epiphany Window installed after Ryan's execution contained a Latin inscription criticizing Premier Bolte for demanding capital punishment.
Ronald Ryan confessed his guilt in a letter to Father Brosnan, stating he had intended to kill Hodson.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his letters, Ronald Ryan explicitly stated he was 'not guilty of murder' and had 'no intent,' maintaining a clear conscience, and Father Brosnan stated he didn't know whose bullet killed Hodson.
Ronald Ryan was described as a tall, imposing figure who was known for his quiet and reserved demeanor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ronald Ryan was described as a slightly built man, 5 feet 8 inches tall, who aspired to be Australia's leading criminal and was known as a likable character, not a tall, imposing, quiet, or reserved figure.
Former warder Doug Pascoe's claim of accidentally shooting Hodson was dismissed because his rifle had a full magazine and he was too far away.
Answer: True
Explanation: Former warder Doug Pascoe's claim of accidentally shooting Hodson was dismissed by police because his rifle had a full magazine after the shooting, and he was positioned too far away from the incident.
Philip Opas, Ryan's defense lawyer, eventually accepted Ryan's guilt after reviewing all the evidence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Philip Opas, Ronald Ryan's defense lawyer, maintained Ryan's innocence until his own death in 2008, consistently refusing to believe he confessed guilt.
Justice John Starke, the trial judge, was a committed abolitionist who remained troubled by Ryan's hanging despite being convinced of his guilt.
Answer: True
Explanation: Justice John Starke, the trial judge, was a committed abolitionist who, despite being convinced of Ryan's guilt, remained troubled by the hanging until his death.
Why was former warder Doug Pascoe's claim of accidentally shooting Hodson dismissed by police?
Answer: His rifle had a full magazine after the shooting, and he was too far away.
Explanation: Doug Pascoe's claim was dismissed because his rifle had a full magazine after the shooting, and he was positioned too far away to have fired the fatal shot.
What was Philip Opas's enduring belief regarding Ronald Ryan's guilt?
Answer: He maintained Ryan's innocence until his own death.
Explanation: Philip Opas, Ronald Ryan's defense lawyer, maintained Ryan's innocence until his own death in 2008.
What was Father John Brosnan's perspective on Ronald Ryan's role in Hodson's death?
Answer: He stated he didn't know whose bullet killed Hodson, while acknowledging Ryan 'caused a situation.'
Explanation: Father John Brosnan stated he didn't know whose bullet killed Hodson, though he acknowledged Ryan 'caused a situation.'
What was Barry Jones's perspective on Ryan's hanging, breaking his 35-year silence?
Answer: He believed there was 'probably a reasonable doubt' in the case.
Explanation: Barry Jones, breaking a 35-year silence, stated he remained 'unsure' if Ryan pulled the trigger and believed there was 'probably a reasonable doubt' in the case.