Phillip Opas QC who died is a famous Australian barrister from Melbourne who is well-known for representing Ronald Ryan in a successful murder trial that led to Ryan being the last man hanged to death in Australia in 1969.

In 2005 Philip told an ABC interviewer: “Ryan convinced me he was innocent and that has haunted me since.

“I feel I let Ryan down. It’s been on my conscience now for nearly 40 years and will never disappear. I still have recurring nightmares.”

Philip campaigned strongly and successfully, with others, for the death penalty to be abolished.