Hitman traced Carl Williams’ initials to tell police who ordered hit on Michael Marshall: Lawyer X inquiry
An underworld killer found a unique way to rat on Carl Williams, with police claiming the hitman fingered the kingpin for a killing without coercion from Lawyer X.
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A gangland hitman spelt out Carl Williams’ initials on a police interview table hours after he had committed a hit.
The man, who was to turn supergrass and was the first domino to fall in Williams’ criminal enterprise, was arrested shortly after the killing of hot dog vendor Michael Marshall.
A police bug in his car had recorded the 2003 killing.
The man was at one point represented by barrister Nicola Gobbo — who was a registered police informer from 2005 to 2009.
During that time she also represented Williams and other gangland figures including drug baron Tony Mokbel.
The Lawyer X royal commission heard that Gobbo had claimed she played a “pivotal role” in turning that hitman.
But Acting Inspector Mark Hatt, then a senior Purana taskforce investigator, said the evidence against the gangland killer was overwhelming.
He said the killer had started “assisting police” on the night of his arrest, without Gobbo’s help.
“He indicated Carl Williams was responsible for the murder.”
Acting Inspector Hatt said he did it by drawing his initials “on the table with his finger in the interview room”.
He implicated Williams in three murders.
The man, who was the driver, also implicated the shooter in the Marshall killing.
The shooter became a key witness in other murders — Gobbo also represented that man.
Acting Inspector Hatt said it hadn’t crossed his mind if there was a conflict between Gobbo representing both men.
He rejected suggestions Gobbo had a role in making the statements or revising the statement.
He said he was never told Gobbo was a registered source but he soon developed a suspicion she was.
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The inquiry heard those suspicions were almost confirmed when a surveillance crew watched Gobbo socialise with underworld survivor Mick Gatto.
Geoff Chettle, QC, representing Gobbo’s handler, said the crew lost the pair.
“They called Purana and said ask her handlers where she is,” he said.
Acting Inspector Hatt said the incident had caused concern within the Source Development Unit, who were worried it could lead to her informing role being revealed.