Murder Twist in Casino Lawsuit

BANNED gambling addict Harry Kakavas told Crown casino he had information about a murder and the manufacture of counterfeit gaming chips, the Supreme Court heard.

Former Victoria Police deputy commissioner Bill Horman - Crown's long-time community affairs officer - said Mr Kakavas raised the claims in telephone conversations and meetings in late 1998.

Mr Horman told the court he offered Mr Kakavas the name of a police detective he could speak to, but Mr Kakavas declined.

Neil Young, QC, for the casino, told Justice David Harper the conversations showed Mr Horman and Mr Kakavas discussed a range of issues before his return to the casino - but not his addiction to gambling.

Mr Kakavas was not asked about the conversations when he gave evidence last week.

Mr Horman said several meetings with Mr Kakavas were at the private offices of casino developer and Hudson Conway supremo Lloyd Williams.

It was also claimed that Mr Horman made two visits to see Mr Kakavas at the Fulham Prison, near Sale, where he was serving four months' jail for fraud.

"He made no complaint or comment about his gambling," said Mr Horman.

Mr Kakavas, a multi-millionaire Gold Coast property developer, is suing Crown claiming they lured him back to Melbourne with cash incentives and the use of a luxury jet.

He had previously signed a self-exclusion order banning him from the Southbank venue for life.

He is seeking about $35 million in gambling losses and damages.

The civil trial before Justice Harper continues today.