Report spurs on gangland killer's family in compo case

The family of slain Australian gangland killer Carl Williams will use the state ombudsman's damning report on his murder in their bid to sue the Victorian Government.

Lawyer Nicole Spicer said legal action had been in the pipeline for 18 months, but Wednesday's report by Ombudsman George Brouwer on Williams' death in a high-security wing of Barwon Prison had prompted a rethink of the case.

Central to Brouwer's criticisms was his claim Corrections Victoria failed in its statutory duty to ensure Williams' safety. Spicer said the ombudsman's remarks were "very reinforcing" to the case being brought by Williams' father George, his daughter Dhakota and step-daughter Breanane.

Williams was murdered inside his prison unit in April 2010 by fellow inmate Matthew Charles Johnson, who received a life term for the killing. Williams had been serving three life sentences for murders committed during Melbourne's gangland wars.

Brouwer questioned why prison authorities had left the two together despite several "warning signals" that Williams was in danger from Johnson.

The ombudsman also questioned how a high-profile prisoner like Williams could be killed inside Victoria's highest-security prison unit and criticised the culture among prison officers at Barwon Prison.

George Williams is now claiming his son repeatedly asked to be moved away from Johnson, a fact he failed to mention in evidence at Johnson's trial.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu said the state would fight any compensation bid.

"Everyone is entitled to their rights, but the state would vigorously defend any such action," he said.

The Williams case has parallels with that of triple murderer Gregory Brazel, who was bashed in prison in 1998 and got A$12,000 damages and A$80,000 for legal bills from the state. One of his attackers was Johnson.

- AAP