Ex-detective seeks to avoid Hodson inquest

Former drug squad detective Paul Dale will seek to avoid giving evidence at the Melbourne inquest into the killings of police informer Terence Hodson and his wife, Christine.

They were found shot dead in their Kew home in May 2004, shortly before Mr Hodson was due to give evidence in a criminal trial against Mr Dale.

Mr Dale's lawyer, Geoff Steward, told the Victorian Coroners Court on Friday his client would apply to be excused from giving evidence at the inquest.

Mr Dale and convicted killer Rodney Collins were charged with the Hodsons' murder in 2009, but the charges were dropped in 2010.

Both men maintain their innocence.

Collins, 69, is serving two life sentences for the shooting murders of Ramon and Dorothy Abbey at their Melbourne home in July 1987.

The inquest, which will seek to identify the Hodsons' killers and the adequacy of the couple's protection, was adjourned until July 16.

State Coroner Judge Ian Gray said he was eager for the inquest to begin as soon as possible.

"There's interest on the part of the family, there's interest on the part of everyone else," he said.