Peter Kocan
Peter Kocan | |
|---|---|
Peter Kocan in 1999. | |
| Born | Peter Raymond Douglas 4 May 1947 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation(s) | Author, poet |
| Years active | 1967-present |
| Known for | Attempted assassination of Arthur Calwell and his work in literature |
Peter Raymond Kocan (born Peter Raymond Douglas, 4 May 1947) is an Australian author and poet who attempted to assassinate Australian Opposition Leader Arthur Calwell on 21 June 1966. He fired a shot at point-blank range through a car window, but Calwell escaped with only minor facial injuries from broken glass. Kocan, 19 years old at the time, was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was transferred to the Morisset Mental Hospital and released in 1976.
He began writing in prison and has published several volumes of poetry. After his release from prison he continued to write poetry and novels.