Williams pleads guilty to 3 underworld murders
6:40 PM February 28
Criminal Carl Williams has appeared in the County Court to plead guilty to three of Melbourne's underworld murders.
Carl Anthony Williams, 36, has pleaded guilty to the murders of Lewis Moran in March 2004, Jason Moran in June 2003 and a third murder which cannot be detailed.
Defence counsel for Williams, David Ross QC, said his client's decision to enter the pleas has absolved the community of millions of dollars and was a great credit to Williams. Justice Betty King agreed.
Justice King also lifted a suppression order regarding the murder of Michael Marshall, who was shot dead in South Yarra in 2003.
It can now be revealed Williams was convicted of murdering Marshall last year, and was sentenced to at least 21 years in prison.
Outside court, Purana task force Detective Inspector Gavin Ryan thanked everyone who assisted with the investigations over the past four years.
"I'd like to thank the public of Victoria for the support of the Purana task force from its inception to this very moment," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland has praised Purana task force detectives for their five-year-long investigation.
"I'd like to publicly acknowledge the work of all Victoria Police staff and other agencies who've worked on what has been a very difficult and protracted set of investigations," he said.
"I think the quality of their work is attested to by the outcome that's been achieved to date."
He says the insurmountable evidence played an overwhelming part in Williams pleading guilty to the three murders today.
"Ultimately it was a matter for his defence team, with discussions with the prosecution team and the court," he said.
"I'm just pleased we've got the outcome we've achieved today." Source: ABC
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