John Lynch was an Irishman who was transported to Australia as a convict in 1837.

He was a cunning man and used this ability to steal and obtain goods but would resort to murder to cover his tracks. He was also known to use the name Dunleavey as an alias to hide his true identity. His main ambition in life was to become a wealthy respectable landholder and businessman.

During his criminal career he is known to have killed at least ten people before he confessed to his crimes upon his capture at the Mulligan’s farm. Lynch assumed ownership of the farm after he raped their 16-year-old daughter then murdered the entire family.

Other people he killed included a father and son named Frazer, and a dray team driver with his 14-year-old native assistant.

As strange side note: Lynch believed that what he was doing was right and would pray to God for assistance with his crimes or deliverance from his pursuers.

There are no known pictures of John Lynch but he was described to be five feet three and a half inches in height, of fair complexion with brown hair and hazel eyes. There was nothing ferocious in his appearance.

After a confession filled trial, Lynch was hanged at Berrima Barracks in April 1842.