Aftermath - the Maungatapu murders

What becomes of Sullivan?

When Joseph Sullivan returned to Hokitika to give evidence about the robbery of the Hokitika police camp and the murder of George Dobson, a mob called for him to be lynched. Chamberlain was sentenced to four years for perjury in the case of the stolen revolvers; one of the accused police 'insiders' was acquitted. James Wilson was acquitted for the murder of George Dobson; the jury indicated that Sullivan was the most likely killer.

Sullivan was transferred to Dunedin Gaol in early 1868. He was recognised in transit and his police escort had to defend him at gunpoint while the captain of the steamer transporting them refused to carry the party. A week later, disguised as a policeman escorting a prisoner, he was again recognised during the stopover in Wellington. But this time he made it to Dunedin.

Sullivan maintained he had been promised a pardon but it was not until 1874 that the governor, Sir James Fergusson, pardoned him on the understanding that he never return to New Zealand. He was disguised and taken to Mt Eden prison in Auckland to await transportation overseas. His first attempt was thwarted when he was recognised and denied passage. He eventually left on 31 March aboard the Hindostan, bound for London.

By December 1874 Sullivan was back in Australia. He was arrested at his wife's house under the terms of the Influx of Criminals Prevention Act and received a three year sentence. When he was released in 1876 arrangements were made to deport him to New Zealand but the New Zealand government refused to accept him. From this point no more was heard of him.