National

Carl Williams' prison killer files appeal

By AAP Newswire

Dec 14, 2021

Matthew Johnson (file image) — Matthew Johnson (pictured) is serving a life sentence for murdering Carl Williams. -AAP Image

The man who killed underworld crime figure Carl Williams has filed an appeal against his murder conviction.

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Matthew Johnson was jailed for life in 2011 for the murder of Williams in a high security unit of Barwon Prison, near Geelong.

Williams was fatally bashed with the stem of an exercise bike seat. It took guards 30 minutes to realise he had been bludgeoned to death, despite live CCTV operating in the high security area.

Johnson was ordered to serve at least 32 years for the killing.

Justice Lex Lasry found his argument before a jury that he had acted in self-defence was fanciful.

He instead found Johnson murdered Williams because he knew the underworld figure was providing information to Victoria Police about the murders of police informer Terence Hodson and his wife Christine in 2004.

Williams' information allegedly implicated former police officer Paul Dale and high profile hitman, and fellow Barwon Prison inmate, Rodney Collins, in the double homicide.

A directions hearing in Johnson's appeal is set to be held in the Victorian County Court on Wednesday.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press