Detectives from the Unsolved Homicide Squad have made a dramatic arrest at Berkeley over the 28-year murder mystery of Sydney bookmaker Charles Skarratt.
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Mr Skarratt, 72, well known within the greyhound racing industry, was found dead in the garage of his home in Woolwich, on Sydney's lower north shore, on December 22, 1989.
He was killed during a violent struggle for his $20,000 takings from a greyhound meeting in Dapto.
His assailants missed another $3000 in the top pocket of his shirt.
Police originally believed Mr Skarratt was bashed to death, but an autopsy revealed he was stabbed several times in the chest and side.
The arrest in Wollongong on Thursday followed a year-long investigation by the Unsolved Homicide Squad after Strike Force Hildebrand was established to reinvestigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Skarratt's death.
It included the retesting of exhibits by specialist forensic officers.
Strike Force Hildebrand investigators, with the assistance of Lake Illawarra operations support group, arrested a 58-year-old man at a home at Berkeley about 7am on Thursday.
It will be alleged the suspect was a punter and his motive was to rob the bookmaker.
Police said he had been taken to Oak Flats police station, where he would be charged with murder.
Detective Sergeant Lindsay Freeman, of Eastwood detectives, said on December 23, 1989, that Mr Skarratt was known to carry large sums of money with, him but was "security conscious".
Mr Skarratt had spent the previous Thursday night at the Dapto dog meeting where he had been the leading bookmaker in the "away ring" for at least the past 11 years.
Sergeant Freeman said that Mr Skarratt left the track about 11.35pm after briefly attending a Christmas function with other bookmakers and club officials.
He drove three of his staff to their Sydney homes before arriving at his harbourside home.
He activated the door opener electronically and drove into the garage above his home.
Police said an unknown number of people attacked him as he got out of his Audi and went to take his bookmaking bags from the boot.
"He was bound with tape and his legs tied at the ankles with what appeared to be the belt of his trousers," Sergeant Freeman said.
Mr Skarratt's wife Monica found his body lying next to the car about 6.25am.
Three empty bookmakers bags were scattered around. The rest of his equipment was still in the boot.
Sergeant Freeman said Mr Skarratt had struggled with his attackers.
"We have interviewed and are interviewing a number of his employees from the Dapto track. He ran a number of stands at the track."
Sergeant Freeman said Mr Skarratt was very concerned aboutt the possibility of being robbed, but he was never armed.
Mr Skarratt always emphasised to his employees that, if they were attacked, they should give up the money.
Sergeant Freeman said that the dead man was involved with a business partner operating squash courts and fitness centres on the north shore.
Mr Skarratt and his widow had adult children from previous marriages.
With Gavin Cantlon
