Former detective Paul Dale and hitman Rodney Charles Collins won’t give evidence in Hodson murder inquest

UPDATE: EX-detective Paul Dale and convicted hitman Rodney Collins could be forced to give evidence at an inquest into the death of two police informers.

Dale chase ‘obsessive’

FORMER detective Paul Noel Dale and convicted hitman Rodney Charles Collins will learn next week if they will be forced to give evidence at an inquest into the death of police informers Terence and Christine Hodson.

Dale and Collins were charged with the couple’s murder in 2009, but those charges were dropped with the jailhouse death of Carl Williams, who claimed he organised the murder on Dale’s behalf.

Dale’s barrister Geoffrey Steward said Williams was a “despicable character” who had lied about Dale in exchange for a reduced jail sentence, the payment of his daughter’s school fees and so authorities would wipe his father’s $750,000 tax bill.

Mr Steward said Dale denied any involvement in the murders but had been quizzed nine times by various law enforcement bodies.

Mr Steward said Victoria Police were “obsessional in their pursuit” of Dale and his life had been ruined by the false accusations.

“As far as Victoria Police is concerned there are only two suspects, and (Dale) is one of them,” Mr Steward said.

Dale giving evidence would not shed light on the murders and not advance the Coroner’s requirements, Mr Steward said.

Dale was previously charged with corruption offences after Terry Hodson said he organised a break in of a drug house in Oakleigh.

“On the sole say-so of Terry Hodson, a man who has been described as a convicted thief, armed robber and drug trafficker. He lied to police,” Mr Steward said.

Rachel Doyle SC, for the Chief Commissioner said Collins had indicated he could help solve the murder and was interested in pursuing a $1 million reward for family members.

Ms Doyle said both he and Dale should give evidence to clear up previous contradictory statements.

Coroner Ian Gray adjourned the inquest until Tuesday to consider whether he should compel Dale and Collins to give evidence.