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Prisoners accused of plotting to murder SA judges

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Two prisoners are accused of plotting to murder two South Australian judges and destroy their homes.

Frederick Bernard Walkuski, 63, and Hendrik Gysbertus Van Schaik, 42, are charged with two counts of conspiracy to murder and one of conspiracy to commit arson on the home of a senior police officer, thereby endangering life.

The alleged conspiracies were said to have occurred at Murray Bridge, southeast of Adelaide, between April 1 and August 4.

Van Schaik appeared via videolink in Murray Bridge magistrates court on Monday, while Walkuski appeared via phone link from hospital.

Magistrate Teresa Anderson agreed to impose a temporary suppression order on the names of the alleged victims to give them time to alert families and friends.

She did not suppress the fact that the accused men were in jail at the time of the alleged offences, but did suppress details of the nature of their offences and their sentences.

The men were arrested on Sunday, when Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins said police feared the attacks were about to take place.

Police alleged the offences were motivated by retribution and that Walkuski offered to pay Van Schaik to carry out the crimes.

The men were remanded in custody, to appear via videolink in Adelaide magistrates court on October 14.

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