Peter the dog, Brisbane museum

In the best Bill Bryson tradition :-

Peter is a stuffed dog currently 'displayed' at the Brisbane museum.

Athol Henry McCowan (42) was murdered in his taxi-cab after 11pm on 22nd May 1952. His blood stained taxi was discovered on the Esplanade, Southport, Brisbane the following morning. His body was discover washed up nine days later on Cribb Island (now the site of Brisbane airport). Police arrested Arthur Ernest Halliday who denied being in Southport at the time. Police were able to place Halliday in Southport through eye witnesses who identified Halliday, his truck and his dog 'Peter'. 'Peter' died of a tick infection prior to the trial. The prosecution realised his significance. They had him stuffed and introduced him in a covered case at the start of the trial in May 1953.

Peter was identified by witnesses as the kind of dog seen at the crime scene. It is said that Halliday was so surprised to see the stuffed dog when it was uncovered at the trial that he admitted ownership of Peter before he could stop himself. By using Peter as evidence, the prosecution effectively linked Peter to Halliday at the crime scene, Halliday to Peter as owner and then Halliday to the murder of McCowan. On 2nd March 1953 Halliday was convicted of the murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment at Boggo Road Gaol, Brisbane.

Halliday was released in 1976; and died a free man in 1982. He was nicknamed the 'Houdini' of Boggo Road because of his many attempts to escape. Throughout his various incarcerations he made six known attempts, of which, two were successful.