Christopher Wayne Hudson among Victorian prison inmates raising money for White Ribbon Day
THE state’s most heinous criminals have been involved in a controversial fundraiser — running to fight domestic violence against women in a prison-sanctioned event.
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THE state’s most heinous criminals have been involved in a controversial fundraiser — running to fight domestic violence against women in a prison-sanctioned event.
Hells Angels bikies serving time at Barwon Prison — such as CBD murderer Christopher Wayne Hudson and Peter “Skitzo’’ Hewat — ran laps under the eyes of prison guards to raise money for White Ribbon Day on November 25.
A source said 60 inmates, including murderers, outlaw bikies, drug traffickers and other long-term prisoners raised between $2000 and $3000 for the foundation by running 250km.
In 2007, Hudson bashed an exotic dancer outside former King St club Bar Code before shooting his girlfriend and two men who intervened to stop the violence.
Hewat, a former sergeant-at-arms with the Hells Angels, punched a grandma in the face after she had found his Shih tzu terrier.
The veteran bikie became incensed after the 62-year-old woman demanded proof Hewat owned the toy dog, triggering his temper.
He assaulted her after confronting the grandmother at her Craigieburn home in 2013.
“Some of the prisoners have been in there for that very crime,’’ the source said.
Victims of Crime Commissioner Greg Davies, a White Ribbon ambassador, said he thought there would be debate about accepting a donation from inmates.
“As a White Ribbon ambassador, I would think there would be some disquiet about the organisation accepting money from these people with the history they have,’’ he said.
“Part of the reason for imprisonment is for the purpose of rehabilitation.
“The actions of these people yesterday may or may not be a sign of that rehabilitation working and while no doubt White Ribbon could put the money to good use, it does not necessarily mean these people have been rehabilitated.’’
White Ribbon’s CEO, Libby Davies, was unable to comment last night as she was on a plane travelling interstate.
The operations manager of Barwon Prison Mark Jones said he could not make a comment.
A Department of Justice spokeswoman said Wednesday’s activity was one of many events organised by Corrections to raise awareness for family violence.
“Whether it is in the general community or a prison population, any activity educating men that violence against women and children is totally unacceptable, should be encouraged,” she said.