The Old Courthouse
This stop is the old courthouse where prisoners were put on trial, and you’ll notice that the building still has bars on its windows. Notably, Captain Moonlite’s trial was not held here at Ballarat Gaol’s courthouse due to the large crowd it could not accommodate. Instead, his trial took place in the town hall in the Finance Committee room, now the Trench Room, which could handle a larger audience.
On June 21, 1872, the Ballarat Star reported, “The court was held in the old finance committee-room, which was far too small for such an important occasion, and hundreds were turned away, unable to gain admittance.” During the trial, Captain Moonlite argued that he was being falsely accused and claimed that his escape was a natural human reaction. Witnesses included both his associates and individuals from the earlier Mt Egerton Gold Robbery trial. The jury found Moonlite guilty and sentenced him to Pentridge Gaol, where he would later encounter James Nesbitt.
Although Scott was not charged with the robbery, it’s important to mention that he and Bruun were known to be close until about a month before the incident. Shortly after these events, Scott left Melbourne for Sydney, adding another layer of intrigue to his already colourful history.
Other Information
Walk down the alley until you get to the very tall brick wall.
Tales from Rat City 