A BALLARAT man accused of killing an autistic teenager with an axe is alleged to have attempted to arrange the murder of key prosecution witnesses, including an eight-year-old boy, it can be revealed.
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Darren Wilson, 34, was on remand when he allegedly told a fellow prisoner, a former policeman, that he would pay him $80,000 if he murdered, or organised the murder of two key witnesses.
He is accused of providing several documents to two prisoners, including details of where to find witnesses, what they looked like and how to kill them.
He allegedly told one prisoner he wanted one of the witnesses shot, while he knew another couldn't swim, so proposed drowning him.
Wilson is standing trial in the Supreme Court having pleaded not guilty to the murder of Timothy O'Brien, 14, and subsequent charges of incitement to murder.
Timothy's body was found at a Scarsdale farmhouse in the early hours of January 5 last year.
EARLIER IN THE TRIAL:
He was allegedly killed after going to the aid of his stepfather, Peter Williams, who had been lured to the house to be bashed by his cousin, Darren Wilson.
Details of the incitement charges have so far been suppressed.
Crown prosecutor Andrew Tinney SC outlined the charges in his opening address to the jury almost three weeks ago, saying Wilson allegedly offered $50,000 for the murder of one particular witness before upping the offer to $80,000 if two were killed.
The Courier has chosen not to name the witnesses at the centre of the threats.
Mr Tinney said Wilson allegedly asked one prisoner, the former police officer, if he knew anyone who could kill prosecution witnesses and detailed how and where he wanted them killed.
"You know about forensics and you are a smart man, you could do it," Wilson allegedly told the former policeman.
Mr Tinney said Wilson allegedly discussed the option of a "hot shot" of drugs which would result in overdose and death.
The jury heard both prisoners had no intention of carrying out Wilson's alleged demands, with one prisoner playing along "just to shut him up".
Wilson's alleged plans unravelled when both prisoners told their solicitors of the conversations. Police were then notified.
The trial has so far heard from 19 witnesses, with one reliving the terrifying moment she saw Wilson allegedly use the bladed side of an axe to strike Timothy repeatedly in the head.
Wilson's defence barrister, Tom Danos, has said Wilson was knocked out during the alleged attack and that it was a co-accused acting alone in the alleged murder of Timothy.
Mr Danos also said Wilson had been "obsessed" about "his case", with the alleged incitements "just jokes" and "musings".
