Australia - Real Underbelly episode in Geelong, Committal hearing starts into Carl Williams' death..

OFF THE WIRE
BY: Aleks Devic
Source: geelongadvertiser.com.au
THE relationship between slain gangland figure Carl Williams and his alleged killer will be central to the case, a Geelong court heard today.
A defence lawyer representing Matthew Charles Johnson, charged with murder, described the conditions inside Barwon Prison's high security Acacia as "extreme" and called it "a prison within a prison".
"(Prisoner) relationships will be central to the case," Christopher Traill said.
"The regime in those extreme high security units almost inevitably causes behavioural problems with those subjected to it."
The committal hearing into Williams' death was to start today at the Geelong Magistrates' Court but has been bogged down in legal argument, with witnesses not expected to give evidence until tomorrow.
The hearing continues.
11.00 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: THE father of slain gangland killer Carl Williams has arrived at the Geelong Magistrates' Court for a hearing into his son's murder.
Accused killer Matthew Charles Johnson sat in the dock flanked by four prison guards as the committal hearing started this morning.
Magistrate Rosemary Carlin stood down the hearing for lawyers to work out preliminary matters.
Security has been boosted with a second metal detector situated outside the courtroom.
There is no sign yet of Williams former wife Roberta, who is heavily pregnant to her new partner, and is suspected to give evidence during the three-day hearing.
Johnson, 37, is accused of bludgeoning Williams to death with a metal part from an exercise bike part inside Barwon Prison during an attack in April.
His lawyer has previously flagged an argument of "defensive homicide" to fight the charge.
The incident was caught on CCTV but the footage has been banned from being aired outside court with concerns it would prejudice Johnson's case.
Williams, 39, suffered severe head injuries, followed by a heart attack and could not be revived.
Sniffer dogs and specially trained police will patrol the court complex as the latest underworld drama unfolds.
PREVIEW STORY: Police said security would be on par with measures taken when two brothers from outlaw bikie gang the Rebels Motorcycle Club appeared at the court charged with killing a rival Bandido member.
Geelong Superintendent Peter O'Neil said the precautions had to be taken because it was such a high-profile case.
"All I can say is there will be an increased level of security and we cannot be too specific but it will be similar to other big matters that have been heard here," Supt O'Neil said.
"We ask people who have no business in court to keep away."
Williams' father George Williams and ex-wife Roberta Williams, who is heavily pregnant, are expected to arrive in Geelong to give evidence over the jail slaying.
Matthew Charles Johnson, 37, is accused of bludgeoning Williams to death with an exercise bike part inside Barwon Prison during a daylight attack in April.
Court sources said Johnson was expected to front the court in person and would have a heavy security presence around him while sitting in the dock.
Terror trials have also attracted heightened security in the past.
During the committal hearing of slain Bandido enforcer Ross Brand, members of the public had to pass a second checkpoint similar to airport security on top of the the standard one at the court's entrance.
Guards checked bags, pockets and clothing as people passed through the second metal detector.
Onlookers also had to show photo ID before gaining entry into the court room to listen to the evidence.
Johnson's committal hearing is expected to last three days.
His lawyer has previously flagged an argument of "defensive homicide" to fight the charge.
The incident was caught on CCTV but the footage has been banned from being aired outside court with concerns it would prejudice Johnson's case.
Williams, 39, suffered severe head injuries, followed by a heart attack and could not be revived.