Gangland widow accused of murdering brother-in-law

A MELBOURNE underworld matriarch appeared in court accused of the execution-style murder of her brother-in-law in a case police described as too far fetched for television.

Gangland widow Judy Moran was one of three people charged over the slaying of Des “Tuppence” Moran, a former underworld enforcer who died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head on Monday while enjoying a coffee in a suburban cafe.

The Moran family played a major role in a gang war for control of Melbourne’s drugs trade which claimed some 30 lives between 1995 and 2006, sparking fears the latest shooting could lead to a renewal of hostilities.

Moran, 61, was shot at close range by two balaclava-wearing gunmen in a noon hit in a cafe in the city’s busy Ascot Vale area.

Witnesses who saw the killing reported that Judy Moran arrived at the scene screaming “Dessy! Dessy!”

The 64-year-old had already lost her husband Lewis and two sons Mark and Jason in the gang war, which was dramatised in the hit Australian series Underbelly.

Since then, Judy Moran has traded on her notoriety as a gangland black widow with frequent television appearances portraying her family as unwitting victims of underworld violence.

But she was accused in a court session on Tuesday of helping orchestrate the killing and charged with being an accessory in Desmond Moran’s murder. No motive has so far been suggested.

Police told the court that officers saw Judy Moran dumping the getaway car that contained a rifle and gun case, while phone taps captured her discussing disposing of items used in the killing.

A search of her house revealed handguns, clothing and a wig fitting the description of items used in the slaying, police said.

She was refused bail after reappearing in court yesterday, with magistrate Jelena Popovic saying she was concerned about the safety of members of the community.

Family friend Suzanne Kane has also been charged with being an accessory and Kane’s boyfriend Geoffrey Armour faces a murder charge.

In a further twist, officers said a firebug torched Judy Moran’s home overnight on Tuesday while she was in custody. The arson squad is investigating.

The Moran family was part of the so-called “Carlton Crew” which ruled Melbourne’s drug trade until a feud erupted with their former driver Carl Williams, who sought revenge after Jason Moran shot him in the stomach.

Williams was linked to 10 underworld murders, including three Morans.