Thursday, March 1, 2012

NSW: Ex policem murdered over Oly security contract, court told


AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2000
NSW: Ex policem murdered over Oly security contract, court told

By John Kidman, Crime Reporter

SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP - A former Sydney policeman whose chained body was found dumped
in a river had been shot in cold blood over a lucrative Olympic-related security contract,
a court was told today.

Detectives allege the two men charged with the slaying stood to gain his share of a
$1.6 million personnel deal struck with industry giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb
Security Australia.

The killing had "all the hallmarks of an execution-style murder", according to a statement
of police facts tendered in Sydney's Manly Local Court.

"There is evidence of premeditated and deliberate planning well prior to the event,"

the document read.

Mr Adams' business partner, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson and another of his associates,
private security agent James Cowie, were arrested by strike force police early today following
a high-profile investigation.

Mr Adams, a one-time police prosecutor who left the force to start his own company
nine years ago, was pulled out of the Hawkesbury River off Dangar Island, to Sydney's
north, by a local fisherman on July 12.

An autopsy revealed he ad been shot in the back of the head from close range.

He was also wrapped in a 135 kilogram length of chain.

It was initially believed Mr Adams had last been seen alive by Crowther-Wilkinson at
10pm on June 6 after they dined at Antos Pizzeria and Pasta in suburban Chatswood.

However, it is now alleged that the version of events was a smokescreen to divert suspicion.

According to receipt records, the accused man bought cigarettes and drinks at a Chatswood
service station at 9.25pm the same night.

Neither the owner nor staff of the pizza parlour were able to place the men at the
eatery, police allege.

According to the fact sheet, mobile phone checks also revealed both Crowther-Wilkinson
and Cowie made or received calls near Dangar island on the night of the murder.

Crowther-Wilkinson denied ever having been to the area or having access to or owning
a boat, it said.

Despite this, detectives alleged evidence would show he was in possession of an aluminium
runabout at the time of the homicide.

It was also claimed Crowther-Wilkinson bought 15m of chain and a number of metal clamps
like those found on Mr Adams' body at a Brookvale hardware shop a week before the murder.

"Direct lies and inconsistencies exist in the versions of (both) Wilkinson and Cowie,"

the facts stated.

Mr Adams had been a silent 51 per cent partner in Excell Security with Crowther-Wilkinson
until his death but took little part in the company's day-to-day business.

In the weeks before his death, he allegedly tried to gain financial records which showed
he may not have been receiving his due profit share.

Police allege he expressed concerns over the matter to his accountant.

By contrast, Crowther-Wilkinson is said to have told an Excell employee that "he did
not want to give up any profits made through his Olympic contract".

Both accused men were today refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court next month.

AAP jk/sb/it/br

KEYWORD: CROWTHER NIGHTLEAD (WITH PIX)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

1 comment:

  1. heir first demand was that the company provide positions in the Papuan Affairs Department and the Papuan Community Development Department to employees from seven tribes. Sydney Security Company

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