Some charges dropped against Roberta Williams in day of court drama
Roberta Williams caused a scene at court, screaming and swearing at a detective. It was a rollercoaster day for the gangland widow, who had serious charges dropped against her — but she’s not off the hook yet.
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Kidnapping and serious assault charges against gangland widow Roberta Williams have been dropped.
But the self-proclaimed “godmother” will have to return to court to fight extortion and kill threat allegations at a contested hearing next year.
Ms Williams appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon alongside her four co-accused over the alleged assault of reality TV producer Ryan Naumenko in July.
Prosecutors told the court they had withdrawn three charges — kidnapping, intentionally cause serious injury and recklessly cause serious injury.
Seven charges remain, including false imprisonment, threats to kill and intentionally cause injury.
Four other men, Daniel De Silva, Jake Sexton, James Harrison and Hassam Al Zwainy will contest the same charges at a three-day committal in May 2020.
The former wife of drug king pin Carl Williams screamed and swore at a detective before her proceedings began, with additional security called to the court.
Her daughter Dhakota also appeared in court with a male friend but arrived and left separately to Ms Williams.
Mr Naumenko was helping the mother and daughter produce a reality TV show about their lives when he was allegedly lured to a Collingwood venue and beaten in July 9.
He told police Ms Williams ordered her co-accused to “kill the c---” after forcing him to ask relatives to transfer $17,000 to a bank account in two separate transactions.
During the ordeal, Mr Naumenko said his attackers put a bar fridge cord around his neck and repeatedly punched him in the face.
When he tried to text for help, they threatened to cut off his fingers and break his hands, police allege.
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Mr Desilva’s defence lawyer will cross-examine a doctor who treated Mr Naumenko for his injuries.
“Though I am not an expert … one would expect his injuries to be far more extensive,” he said.
The court heard many of the accused would cross-examine witnesses including Mr Naumenko’s sister and father, in a bid to discredit the alleged victim.
Lawyers for the accused said Mr Naumenko had a “reputation for dishonesty” and 20 pages or prior history.
Williams and the four men are all on bail and will return to court next year.