Raymond Kevin Mooney (born 1945 in Melbourne) is an Australian novelist, playwrightand screenwriter. Regarded as an important crime writer his plays have been produced in Australian theatres.[1]
In 1968 Mooney was sentenced to 12 years for rape and assault and was sent to HM Prison Pentridge.[2] While in prison, he befriended cell mate Christopher Dale Flannery, who was accused of being a prolific contract killer known as "Mr Rent-a-kill". Mooney became the first prisoner in Australia to complete a university degree while still in jail. Upon his release in 1975, he studied drama at the Victorian College of the Arts[3] and formed two theatre companies:Governor’s Pleasure, a theatre company of ex-prisoners and ZAP Community Theatre.
Mooney wrote the play Everynight Everynight based on his experiences in Pentridge Prison.[4] A film adaptation of the play was made in 1994 and was nominated for an AFI Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.[5]
Mooney has lectured at tertiary institutions, including Holmesglen TAFE and the VCA Film and Television School.
In 1968, some months after separating from his wife, Mooney lured a 16 year old girl into his car. When she screamed and tried to escape, he punched her in the face, breaking her nose. He then raped her and a short time later, raped her a second time. Mooney was convicted of one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and two counts of rape.[6] At sentencing, he was supported by a Catholic Priest, Father Kevin Toomey. Mooney was sentenced to 12 years gaol with a minimum of 9 years and was sent to HM Prison Pentridge.