Murder charges after shark vomits up Sydney man's arm

A fisherman recently captured a four-meter tiger shark, which he delivered alive to the local aquarium for public viewing. This event unfolded a week before a shocking discovery was made.

The authorities were called to investigate when an arm was found inside the shark, initially suspecting it might be the result of a shark attack.

Jim Smith's arm had a distinctive tattoo on it.
Jim Smith’s arm had a distinctive tattoo on it. (Supplied)

However, forensic experts determined that the limb had been severed using a sharp instrument, rather than being bitten off by the predator.

Notably, the arm bore a unique tattoo depicting two boxers.

This distinctive marking was key in identifying the victim. After a description of the tattoo appeared in the press, the victim’s brother came forward, recognizing it as belonging to Jim Smith.

Smith, who had a past as a boxer and also worked as a police informant, was reportedly killed by Patrick Francis Brady, a known cheque forger.

Patrick Francis Brady was acquitted of the murder.
Patrick Francis Brady was acquitted of the murder. (NSW Police)

Brady had allegedly murdered Smith then cut off his arm as part of a standover tactic to get money from respectable businessman/secret cocaine smuggler Reginald Holmes.

Brady was charged with murder with Holmes the star witness in the trial.

But a few weeks later, Holmes was found dead in his car, shot three times.

In court, Brady’s lawyer argued that an arm alone was not proof of a murder.

Smith, without an arm, could still be alive somewhere, the lawyer said.

Reginald Holmes was found shot in his car.
Reginald Holmes was found shot in his car. (Nine Archives)

Both the murders of Smith and Holmes remain unsolved.

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