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Aussie underworld killer caught

A THIRD suspect in the killing of a former underworld figure appeared in an Australian court yesterday - a day after the dead man's sister-in-law and another woman were denied bail.

Desmond "Tuppence" Moran, whose family was involved in a decade-long war for control of Melbourne's drug trade, was shot on Monday by two gunmen wearing balaclavas.

The gangland war - in which at least 28 criminal figures or associates were killed - was fictionalized last year in "Underbelly," an award-winning Australian television miniseries. Most of the murders remain unsolved.

Geoffrey Amour, 43, is charged with Moran's murder. His lawyers did not seek bail yesterday. Police say a second suspect is being sought.

Moran's sister-in-law and the family matriarch, Judy Moran, 64, has been charged as accessory after the fact in the killing, along with Amour's girlfirend, Suzanne Kane, 45. Both were denied bail on Wednesday as the judge deemed them a threat to the community due to their access to firearms.

Police allegedly found handguns and a loaded shotgun in the house the women shared, as well as clothing matching the description of that worn by the gunmen.

Police had opposed bail for Judy Moran, saying she was a flight risk and could hinder the investigation.

Since her arrest on Tuesday night, Judy Moran's home was severely damaged by a suspicious fire.

Police accuse Moran of disposing of the getaway car used by her brother-in-law's killers. Police also allege that she was overheard talking about disposing of items used in the shooting.

Desmond Moran is the fourth member of his family to suffer a violent death; his brother and two nephews - Judy Moran's husband and sons - were also killed. The well-liked Desmond Moran had said he had nothing to do with the family business since a drug-related sentence in 1985. He survived shots fired at his car in March.

(Agencies)




 

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