Herbert Ellis

Mug shot of Herbert Ellis

Presumed Central Police Station

Sydney, ca.1920

He is variously listed as a housebreaker, a shop breaker,
a safe breaker, a receiver and a suspected person.

A considerably less self-assured Ellis appears in the NSW Criminal Register of 29 August 1934 (no. 206). His convictions by then include 'goods in custody, indecent language, stealing, receiving and throwing a missile.' His MO includes the entry 'seldom engages in crime in company, but possessing a most villainous character, he influences associates to commit robberies, and he arranges for the disposal of the proceeds.' It adds that he has the nicknames 'Curley' - his hair is thinning - and 'Deafy', as he is by then quite deaf. He is seen leaning heavily on a walking stick in the later image.

(Glass plate negative)

(Sydney Living Museums)