Charles Blakeney

Charles William Blakeney (18021876) was a judge and politician in Queensland, Australia.

Early life Charles William Blakeney was born in Cooltigue Castle, County Roscommon, Ireland in 1802. He was the eldest son of Reverend Thomas Blakeney and his wife Alicia Newcome, daughter of Archbishop William Newcome, primate of Ireland.

In 1826 he married Ellen Frances, the daughter of John and Julia Jeffries of Blarney Castle, County Cork. Charles John Blakeney (1830–1892) William Theophilus Blakeney (1832–1898) Alicia Honoria Blakeney (1833– )

In 1831 he became a barrister in London and in Ireland in 1836. He was Chairman of Committees from 12 June 1861 to 22 May 1863.

Redford was apprehended in Sydney in 1872, and faced trial in Roma, Queensland; Redford's solicitor was Charles William Blakeney's son, Charles John Blakeney. Despite the compelling evidence presented by the prosecutor, the jury members were so impressed by Redford's achievements in taking the cattle to South Australia that they found him not guilty, whereupon Charles Blakeney remarked, "Thank God, gentlemen, that verdict is yours and not mine!" In response to the apparent disregard for justice shown by the verdict, in July 1873, the Government shut down the Roma District Criminal Court for two years but rescinded the order in January 1874. after his death when the property had passed to his widow Ellen and was being rented. Another property in Rocklea known as "The Hermitage", on Ipswich Road was also sold after his death.

Around 1874, Charles began suffering from strokes, of which were starting to have other comorbid affects, such as paralytic symptoms and fits. He shortly thereafter resigned his position as Judge, and retired into public life before his passing. On 12 January 1876, he left his home to take a morning walk along the Brisbane river between Hill End and West End, but failed to return. A few days later his body was found floating in the Brisbane River, his walking stick was found standing upright in the river bank close to where his body was found. His lovely and devoted wife Ellen, survived him until the late 1890s. On 14 January 1876, he was buried in South Brisbane Cemetery at Dutton Park.