The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser,
Wednesday 10 May 1854
(New South Wales)

SCONE
ACCIDENT.—On Monday afternoon, the 1st instant, we regret to say, that Mr Boddily, the Chief Constable, was accidentally shot when conveying two prisoners to the lock up. The wound is in the leg immediately above the knee, and is understood to be a severe one….
DEATH OF MR. BODDILY—Sunday the 7th.—We regret to have to record the death of Mr. Boddily, who was wounded on Monday last by the accidental explosion of a pistol, in the execution of his duty as Chief Constable. On Monday, the 8th, an inquest was held at the Court House, before Dr. Little, coroner for the district, on the body of Mr. Chief Constable Boddily, when the evidence of Dr. Goodwin having been taken, a verdict to the effect that deceased met his death accidentally from a gun shot wound, we understand was recorded. We are entirely unaware of the custom in such cases, but we trust that the widow of Mr. Boddily will be provided for by the Government. This seems to be the least that can be done, seeing that Mr. Boddily certainly lost his life in the execution of his duty. We are also unaware of the amount (if any) in such cases, but should it be insufficient we trust that the inhabitants of Scone, with their accustomed generosity, will come forward to the assistance of the widow.

The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 12 May 1854
(New South Wales)

MUSWELLBROOK
ACCIDENT.—A few days since, one of the Muswellbrook constables was sent to the neighbourhood of Scone in search of two men, for whose apprehension warrants were issued. The chief and another constable of Scone also went in search, and apprehended the men; and whilst escorting them to the lock-up, by some means or other the chief constable’s pistol went off, and the ball lodged in his knee and fractured the bones. He was conveyed to Scone, and attended by two doctors, who endeavoured to extract the ball, but could not do so. 6th May.

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser,
Saturday 29 March 1851
(New South Wales)

Government Gazette
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1851
POLICE
His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Serjeant Richard Boddily, of the Sydney Police, to be Chief Constable at Scone.

Monumental Inscription, St Luke's Anglican Church, Scone

Sacred to the memory of Richard Bodiley, native of Penzance, in Cornwall, England, Chief Constable of Scone, who departed this life on the 7th of May 1854 from the effects of a Pistol Shot accidentally received in the discharge of his duty. Aged 33 years.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho