Taskforce ‘clears’ cop over Williams death

Police in Victoria have been unable to confirm reports that a former detective has been cleared of any involvement in the prison murder of gangland boss Carl Williams.

Fairfax reports that a 25-month investigation has ended with investigators concluding former police officer Paul Dale did not “plan, authorise or know of the attack” on Williams.

“We have found no evidence to support the theory that he was involved at all,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer is quoted as telling The Age newspaper.

But a police spokesman could not confirm the reports and a prepared statement released on Monday morning does not address the question of clearing Mr Dale.

“The taskforce has conducted six cold case investigations and two homicide investigations including the successful prosecution of Matthew Johnson,” the Victoria Police statement said.

“Any further evidence will be investigated to the full extent.”

Williams was clubbed to death by fellow inmate Matthew Johnson inside Barwon Prison’s maximum security Acacia unit on April 19, 2010.

Williams had made statements to police connecting Mr Dale to the 2004 murders of police informer Terence Hodson and Hodson’s wife, Christine.

His statements were seen as vital in the prosecution of Mr Dale and the hitman accused of killing the couple.

Weeks after Williams’ demise behind bars, the charges against the two men were dropped.

Victoria Police’s Taskforce Driver examined the Hodson killings and any possible links to the Williams prison bashing death.

But the taskforce will officially close on June 30 with a brief of evidence being handed to the state coroner for consideration in launching an inquiry.

“Should the state coroner chose to initiate an inquest in to these deaths, investigators will dedicate their attention to any further evidence or intelligence arising from such an inquiry,” the police statement said.

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