[2] As a mounted constable Stott travelled widely, by either horse or camel, and completed regular six-to-eight week patrols of the region as well as additional special missions to investigate serious incidents.

[3] From 1908 Stott was a mounted constable, 1st class, at Borroloola, until in 1911 he was transferred to Alice Springs (then called Stuart) as the sergeant in charge.

Kelly made a series of allegations against Stott, including that he was a bully, that he misused government resources and accepted bribes.

[6][7] Judge David Bevan was sent down from Darwin to conduct the hearing about these allegations and interviewed many of the residents of the district and these witnesses included Ida Standley and Carl Strehlow.

It was ultimately found that:[6][7] After hearing the evidence of the various witnesses and inspecting the files, documents and records I am of opinion that the charges as a whole are without foundation, and that Sergeant Stott is completely exonerated.In 1924 Victorian governor, the Earl of Stradbroke, visited Alice Springs and, addressing local children, he asked if they could name their king and they responded "Sergeant Stott".

[4] By the late 1920s Stott had become a legendary figure and was known for careering around in one of the earliest motor cars in the region, and known to enjoy a good whiskey.

[9] Many, including Stuart Traynor, believe that, if Stott had not retired, the 1928 Coniston Massacre would not have happened as, with his experience, he would have taken a more cautious and restrained approach than the inexperienced George Murray.