By Erin Pearson
Police have withdrawn serious charges against the former wife of union heavyweight John Setka after earlier accusing her of plotting to kill the CFMEU Victorian secretary.
Emma Walters, 46, was charged with attempting to incite others to conspire to kill her husband on two occasions in March and April.
Emma Walters arriving at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.Credit: Justin McManus
On Friday, she appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court where prosecutors withdrew those charges. Walters remains accused of making threats to kill Setka and attempting to acquire a firearm without a permit.
Outside court, Walters’ lawyer Emily Clark said her client intended to defend the two remaining charges.
“Ms Walters is feeling immensely relieved with the withdrawal of the most serious charges today,” Clark said.
“This has been a terrifying and intimidating process for Emma, including the police seeking her remand in custody, away from her children, on a set of charges that have ultimately been completely withdrawn.”
Walters outside court.Credit: Justin McManus
The court earlier heard Walters had invited a private investigator to visit her home in March to discuss his debugging services, and that she allegedly asked him to help get her “a piece”.
“I need you to get me a piece and I need to kill the father of my children,” Walters allegedly said, before allegedly stating she was going to have to “lure” Setka in and set him up so it appeared she was acting in self-defence.
“I’m going to have to use it. I know how to use it. I’m willing to deal with the consequences of going through the court. I have to kill my children’s father to survive,” Walters allegedly said.
“It can’t be premeditated. You have to help me.”
John Setka at Melbourne Magistrates Court in March.Credit: Jason South
In April, police alleged Walters was in the back of an ambulance when she attempted to obtain sedatives for use on her estranged husband.
Walters did not name her ex-husband during that interaction, but police had alleged she was referring to Setka.
Walters, 46, was later arrested and charged with incitement to commit conspiracy to murder, incitement to acquire a firearm and making threats to kill.
At the time, police opposed bail, fearing she would continue to plot to murder her ex-husband if released.
But bail was granted with strict conditions.
“We’re concerned that if she is granted bail, she will continue to seek ways to murder the complainant,” Detective Leading Senior Constable Daniel Ramirez told the court in May.
“She is actively plotting to kill her ex-husband by various means. We believe she will succeed if measures aren’t put in place to prevent her.”
The remaining charges are due to return to court in November.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.