White Trash Networks : News

Infamous outlaw motorcycle club the Bandidos has established a chapter in Christchurch, patching over another international bikie gang that only recently announced its arrival in the country.

Police say the Bandidos' presence in the city is in its infancy and will not reveal further details about the group because they do not "deserve the air time".

"We are aware there is a probationary chapter, we are aware of who's behind it and that will be monitored like all our other gangs and issues we have in Canterbury," Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald said.

The Press understands the Bandidos patched over members of the Rock Machine motorcycle club in November.

Rock Machine, established in Canada in 1986, claimed to have established a chapter in Christchurch three months earlier.

A Christchurch-based bikie, who previously said he was a member of Rock Machine, announced on Facebook the group had patched over to "something a lot better".

He posted a photo of people wearing Bandidos regalia.

The bikie declined to comment when approached for comment by The Press.

"I have nothing to say about that," he said.

In 2012, it was reported the Bandidos were setting up a chapter in South Auckland.

Police have said the gang is now established in New Zealand, with more than 20 patched members.

Figures supplied to The Press by the Department of Corrections show there were 11 people with affiliations to the gang serving prison time as at October 31, last year.

The Bandidos - described as one of the "big three" outlaw motorcycle clubs along with the Hells Angels and Outlaws - is one of the most feared bikie gangs in Australia.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9610139/Bandidos-move-on-Christchurchs-patch/

A city man was ordered Tuesday by a Rensselaer County judge to travel to Springfield, Mass., to testify for the prosecution in a triple murder case connected to a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club.

Justin Lasky appeared before Rensselaer County Judge Debra Young for a brief hearing. Lasky was reluctant to travel to testify at the trial of Adam Lee Hall, so the prosecutor, Berkshire County District Attorney David F. Capeless, filed a motion to compel his testimony. The motion was presented to Young by the Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office.

"He was a very peripheral witness in the case," said Rensselaer County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Kennedy.

No information was released on Lasky's testimony. No attorney represented Lasky at the appearance, court officials said.

According to Tuesday's editions of the Berkshire Eagle newspaper, in opening arguments on Monday, Capeless said that three men were tortured, stabbed and shot in August 2011 by Adam Lee Hall with the help of two others. The bodies were found in Berkshire County.

Capeless alleges that Hall wanted David Glasser dead so he couldn't testify against him in an unrelated assault case.

Hall is the first to face trial. The venue was moved to Springfield because of the publicity the case received in Berkshire County.

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Troy-man-told-he-must-testify-at-Hells-Angels-5142517.php

JOSH Carew woke his children when he returned home on Tuesday night, the first time he had seen them since being locked in solitary confinement six weeks ago.

Mr Carew found himself behind bars under the association provisions of the Newman Government's Violent Lawless Association Disestablishment laws.

The family shared the one bed, with the Nambour pizza shop owner enjoying the first unmedicated sleep he has had in a long time.

"I'm just very relieved to be out of solitary,'' Mr Carew said yesterday after being locked up on his own for 23 hours a day for all but four days of the past six weeks.

"You are also alone for the hour you get in the exercise yard.

"It's really a cage. You feel like an animal.

"You start hearing voices and you are talking to yourself. Some have been in there for four months.

"There is not one person (in solitary) who is not on medication to help them sleep.

"It makes you a zombie.

"The longer you are in there, the greater the impact. I can see how people get lost.

"You are groggy until lunchtime. It's a vicious cycle.

"As soon as you say to the psychs (psychiatrists) that you are talking to yourself, they write a script.

"I'm just really thankful for the support as was every

one in solitary. It's helping everyone.

"We've been cut off from our families in a wing that contains some of the worst crims in the jail.

"I'll be getting the pizza shop running after spending time with the family to make up for Christmas and I'll be staying away from the pub.''

Mr Carew, his brother-in-laws Steve Smith and Scott Conly, newly released Paul Lansdowne - the co-owner of the pizza shop, and Dan Whale were arrested on December 10 for allegedly being in breach of VLAD laws by drinking together in the Yandina Hotel on November 1.

The matter goes before court on March 24.

If he had failed to obtain bail this week, Mr Carew faced another 10 weeks in solitary confinement under the controversial legislation.

His wife Tracy said her husband had risen yesterday morning at 6.30am and gone for a long walk in the fresh air.

In granting bail in the Supreme Court of Queensland, Justice John Byrne noted Mr Carew's lengthy criminal history which included charges for the commercial supply of cocaine, acting as a courier for Adam McCrea - the Rebels Motorcycle Club Hervey Bay chapter president, his arrest for the unlawful possession of amphetamines, explosives and a loaded semi-automatic pistol, and the trafficking of methylamphetamine.

Justice Byrne also noted that in March last year, Mr Carew and his father-in-law were in a vehicle searched by police that contained $15,000.

A search of Mr Carew's home is alleged to have uncovered almost $150,000 in cash in bedside drawers, a set of digital scales and a notebook containing an alleged tick list that apparently detailed several substantial illicit drug transactions.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/dads-beeline-for-kids/2141108/

Police are today expected to announce a new task force to target criminal motorcycle gangs in north Queensland.

It is understood it will be dubbed Task Force Maxima but police say they will not reveal any more information at this stage due to operational reasons.

The State Government has been cracking down on criminal bikie gangs across Queensland.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-16/new-police-task-force-to-tackle-north-qld-outlaw/5202828?&section=news

AN alleged Bandidos ``prospect'' has been sentenced to nine months behind bars for his part in the infamous Broadbeach bikie brawl, with Queensland's top magistrate warning he wanted to lock him up for longer but couldn't.

Alexandra Hills man Andrew Barton Clarke-Davis, 22, will serve time in solitary confinement before parole release on April 28 for his part in the riot involving 60 Bandidos gang members on September 27.

Chief Magistrate Tim Carmody told Clarke-Davis if it wasn't for the sentences imposed on three co-offenders who had already been dealt with in Queensland courts, he would have sentenced him to one year behind bars, with parole release after six-months.

``However, because of the sentences that have already been imposed on others involved in this riot, and even though I recognise that two wrongs don't make a right, it seems to me that if I impose a sentence that I think the defendant deserves, he is likely to be left with a sense of grievance because of the disparity between his sentence and that of his co-offenders,'' he said.

Three alleged Bandidos have been sentenced over the riot outside the Aura Tapas and Lounge Bar, with plans afoot for a group of alleged rioters to plea in unison on the Gold Coast next month.

Southport Magistrate Catherine Pirie sentenced alleged Bandido Hamza Elcheikh, 21, to 150-hours of community service and Craig Anthony Jackson, 39, to six months behind bars, wholly-suspended after two-months served, last month.

Brisbane Magistrate John McGrath sentenced Joel Votear Leavitt, 20, to four-months jail, suspended after 21-days served, on December 10.

In detailed reasons that took more than one-and-a-half hours to deliver, Judge Carmody said he found it difficult to resolve the ``competing sentencing principals and factors'' in a way that adequately satisfied the statutory purposes of sentencing.

He said the brawl was an ``extreme example of street violence and public nuisance'' and the offender had to be sentenced not based on his individual acts considered in isolation, but on what the ``riotous crowd he is a part of did''.

The court was told Clarke-Davis, who sat in the dock sporting colourful sleeves of tattoos, had been held in solitary confinement since January 3 and was subject to an order locking him up for 23-hours-a-day until at least January 31.

Police prosecutor Sgt Sharon Carruthers said Clarke-Davis was one of 60 Bandidos who descended on a busy Queensland Avenue restaurant alongside senior member Jacques Teamo to intimidate two men linked to the Finks when an all-out brawl was sparked.

Sgt Carruthers said Clarke-Davis was acting as a ``rearguard'' for a group of Bandidos who walked into the restaurant and remained at the doorway throughout.

She said he was wearing a Bandido shirt and vest with the words ``Prospect'' emblazoned on them.

``I would suggest he was intending to act as a rearguard, it certainly seems he assumed that role,'' she said.

Sgt Carruthers read a statement from a worker in the restaurant who said he had felt ``extremely intimidated'' by the Bandido presence on the night and ``distinctly remembered the whole venue went really quiet''.

She said an obstruct police offence against Clarke-Davis related to a doorknock by police on December 13 in which he ran out the backdoor and jumped a fence to evade officers wanting to question him.

The court heard he had previous offences for public nuisance, damaging evidence with intent, obstructing police and a conviction for putting four chlorine bombs in the letterbox of a home where police officers lived.
Defence lawyer Andrew McGinness, for Clarke-Davis, said his client had pleaded guilty to the charge of riot on the basis of his presence only.

He said there was no allegation his client was armed or engaged in any verbal threats to any persons or police.
Mr McGinness said Clarke-Davis never entered the restaurant.

He further argued the prosecution had already claimed co-accused Craig Anthony Jackson, 39, acted as the ``rearguard'' when he was sentenced for his part in the riot last month.

``He's pleading guilty to being in the vicinity of the restaurant, as were a number of other persons,'' Mr McGinness said.
He argued Clarke-Davis was serving hard time in solitary confinement, which brought with it a ``real risk of psychological harm''.
Judge Carmody rejected Mr McGinness' submission and instead urged Queensland Corrective Services to ``reconsider'' Clarke-Davis' classification as a prisoner requiring solitary confinement early in his term.

``I see problems associated with the routine recognition by sentencing courts of prison conditions as a basis for lessening what might otherwise be an appropriate sentence,'' he said.

``It leaves the court vulnerable to criticism that it is violating the separation of powers doctrine or subverting the legitimate legislative public policy purposes.''

http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/alleged-bandido-jailed-over-role-in-broadbeach-bikie-brawl/story-fnii5v6w-1226806183097

WANTED man and fully-patched member of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang, Jamie Brown, has been arrested by police.
A warrant was issued for the 37-year-old's arrest last week.

He has been charged with aggravated assault and causing affray in connection with a serious assault at Seaford Rise on Sunday, January 12.

Police allege he bashed a man and left him with serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a punctured lung and head wounds.
This comes just months after the motorcycle gang claimed there was no criminality involved in its organisation and it was taking the style of club back to the 1970s.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson said some members of outlaw motorcycle gangs were still dangerous.

"The Mongols have recently ramped up their public relations campaign, claiming that they've reformed and are now law-abiding citizens," Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson said.

"However, with Mongols' members made up mostly of former Finks, and some with extensive criminal history, we've been unconvinced of their claims of reformation."

Mr Dickson said the gang needed more than just a name change.

"The violent culture and behaviour of OMCGs (Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs) has been deeply entrenched for many decades and is unlikely to change by merely changing the name of the gang," he said.

Mr Brown refused police bail and is expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court either late today or tomorrow.

http://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/police-have-arrested-wanted-man-and-mongols-bikie-gang-member-jamie-brown/story-fnii5yv4-1226806014127

A San Jose lawyer known for representing Hells Angels in the South Bay has been indicted on federal charges of obstructing justice and lying to federal agents about his role in tipping off a target of a major drug investigation in Gilroy, allegedly disclosing the probe to a notorious officer of the motorcycle gang who was later shot to death.

An indictment unsealed Friday accuses criminal defense lawyer Michael Edward Hingle of revealing the drug investigation in 2011 to Steve Tausan, a Hells Angels officer who days later was gunned down in San Jose at the funeral of slain Hells Angels leader Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew.

The indictment alleges that on Oct. 13, 2011, Hingle tipped off Tausan to the probe to alert an unidentified "client," described as a person targeted in "Operation Garlic Press," an investigation that involved at least 100 search and arrest warrants across Santa Clara County. Federal and state prosecutors indicted dozens of people in the case, which involved violent Gilroy-based gang members linked to gun and methamphetamine trafficking.

Based on federal prosecutors' timeline, the 52-year-old Tausan was shot to death during a fight at Pettigrew's funeral two days after Hingle tipped him off. There is no indication the drug probe was related to Tausan's slaying; Hells Angels member Steven Ruiz was charged with the slaying after eluding capture for months.

Hingle pleaded not guilty Friday in San Jose federal court, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal set his bail at $100,000, according to court records.

The indictment alleges that after Hingle warned Tausan about the operation, the gang member tipped off friends of the "client," even sending a text message warning of imminent arrests in the drug probe. Hingle is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice for disclosing a secret grand jury investigation.

Federal law enforcement officials began probing Hingle's role in March 2012, and FBI officials questioned him at his San Jose law office in September, according to the indictment. Hingle is charged with three counts of making false statements to federal agents as a result of the FBI interview.

Mary McNamara, Hingle's lawyer, could not be reached for comment Friday.

The State Bar of California in 2004 disciplined Hingle with a private reprimand for undisclosed reasons, according to Bar records. Hingle faces the loss of his law license if convicted of the felony charges, which expose him to years in federal prison.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_24936785/san-jose-hells-angels-lawyer-indicted-obstruction

POLICE have swooped on bikie figures who are suspected of being part of an organised crime syndicate authorities will allege has hooked a town's youth on the drug ice.

The raids across Mildura come as police begin a crackdown on an ice epidemic reeking havoc through regional Victoria.

Josh Faulkhead, a member of feared bikie gang the Comancheros and a former soldier who has served overseas, was arrested as the prime target of a three month operation into wide-scale ice distribution in Mildura.

Another Comanchero, Anthony Moss, and several associates were also arrested with charges expected as more than 10 warrants were executed against properties and vehicles.

Charges are expected to be laid relating to drugs, assault, extortion and firearms offences.

EXECUTED 11 search warrants on residential and business properties in Mildura.

ARRESTED seven men and two women in relation to drug trafficking, firearms, and property offences.

ALLEGEDLY seized a white crystal substance believed to be ice.

SEIZED 14 firearms, including a pistol, sawn-off firearms, longarms and ammunition, knives, homemade weapons, three motorcycles, a trailer and number of late model cars

Police, led by Mildura detectives and helped by the Echo bikies taskforce, will also be investigating Mr Faulkhead's businesses.

Supt Paul Naylor said the arrests were significant to show the town police would fight back against outlaw behaviour.

"We've known about the anxiety being built up in the community about these sort or offences in our town," he said.

"It is abhorrent to the police here as it is to the community.

"Today we hit back and arrested key suspects we will allege were behind controlling the drug trade in Mildura."

Mr Faulkhead is registered as the head of several companies, including a finance firm.

Mr Faulkhead was arrested after his luxury car was intercepted by heavily armed police in King St, Mildura yesterday. His black Chrysler was searched before he was taken in for questioning and later driven to his property which was searched.

Multiple raids occurred moments later, with key associates and a gang members arrested in a similar stealth mobile street arrest minutes after Mr Faulkhead was taken into custody.

A Commodore ute was also towed away.

Mr Faulkhead was set to be charged and put before a court to remand him overnight.

Other associates were also arrested during the raids and expected to be charged.

Ice has swept through country Victoria, sparking an parliamentary inquiry into the epidemic.

Sources said ice was being smuggled into Mildura from Sydney.

The infiltration of outlaw motorcycle gangs in the town, most notably by the Rebels, has until now overshadowed the Comancheros influence.

It is understood the Comancheros, who do not have a sanctioned charter in Mildura, have beaten up people in the main street as part of their standover tactics.

Yesterday's operation is aimed at unravelling a complex crime network operating throughout Australia and potentially internationally.

Both the Rebels and the Comancheros have expanded rapidly in the past five years locally and globally.

The Herald Sun has learned mafia families entrenched in Mildura are incensed by the infiltration of bikie gangs and the developing drug culture.

A police source said there were tensions growing within the established organised crime mob.

Australia is seen as a "soft target'' for drug syndicates, especially with such high usage rates.

In many towns, those who owe debts over drugs are forced to work as drug dealers.

In Mildura, it has been reported at least five indigenous men have committed suicide after racking up large debts after becoming addicted and some addicts have been taken into isolated areas, given a shovel, and told to dig their grave as part of the intimidation tactics.

An ice habit can cost users about $3000 a week.

In some cases, families in the town have incurred their addicted children's debts and been stood over by organised criminals for payment.

Superintendents from Mildura, Ballarat and Shepparton, considered the worse affected regions, have been asked to make submissions to the inquiry about potential legislative changes that need to be made to stem the epidemic.

Public meetings about the scourge are set to be heard in Melbourne, Traralgon, Shepparton and Warnambool over the coming month.

Investigators seized vehicles and found ice, steroids, and a cache of arms as one of the Comancheros was bloodied allegedly resisting arrest by Special Operations Group officers.

Supt Naylor said the police in Mildura, however, were not narrow minded and were aware other criminal elements were operating in the region.

He said the public's help was needed to continue the crackdown.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/comancheros-arrested-in-gun-and-drugs-probe/story-fni0fee2-1226807214123

INNOCENT motorbikers have pulled out of a charity ride for Lockyer Valley flood victims, fearful of unwanted police attention under the Newman Government's bikie crackdown.

Three years ago, Newcastle Harley Davidson owner Jim Abra and his mates outstretched a helping hand to the Lockyer Valley communities devastated by the 2011 floods.

Mr Abra and around 70 riders were due to arrive in Ipswich over the weekend for the annual ride, which has raised $10,000 for the Salvation Army flood appeal.

Last year, the Newman Government introduced laws forbidding three or more members of criminal gangs to congregate after a spate of bikie gang violence.

Now the majority of the Ipswich-based bikers from Ulysses clubs have pulled out of this year's run, fearing police will target them in a case of mistaken identity.

But a spokesperson for Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the bikers have no reason to fear police.

Mr Abra said despite Warwick police giving the ride the all-clear, it wasn't enough for worried bikers to hit the road.

"We had some that were coming and we got to the stage where they said we don't want to ride to NSW because they are crushing bikes and arresting people," he said.

"These people weren't a criminal organisation, they were actual riders and they were worried that they had been harassed since the laws came out.

"The people that miss out are the people of Grantham and the Lockyer Valley that lost family and possessions in 2011."

Mr Dempsey's spokesperson said law- abiding citizens have nothing to fear from the new laws.

"The Minister and Police Commissioner have met and will continue to meet with law-abiding recreational motorcycle riders to discuss these laws," the spokesperson said.

Ipswich West MP Sean Choat said the new laws were tough

"There will no doubt be some people who have been caught up, just like we all get pulled over for random breath tests, the thing is if you've done nothing wrong you have nothing to fear just as if you're pulled over for an RBT you're fine if you're under the limit," he said.

"Riding a motorcycle does not make you a criminal but your membership of a criminal gang will get you into trouble.

"I have faith in our police and I know they will be fair and only detain someone where they believe there is justification."

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/brakes-put-on-charity-ride/2146507/

THE bikie crackdown has driven the outlaws out - but not very far.

Aerial surveillance has captured Rebels members, who have moved their base to Ballina in northern NSW, riding in formation on the Pacific Motorway, crossing double lines and passing illegally - all without a NSW patrol car in sight

And in what Queensland police say is evidence of growing links between the gangs, the Rebels were tracked to the Tweed Heads base of the Odin's Warriors.

The January 4 meeting took place the same day members of the Odin's Warriors and the Mongols, now based at Chinderah, met at a border hotel.

The Rebels were met by a 40-strong group of Odin's members and associates.

Top-ranking members of both clubs were quick to shake hands, which police say is a sign of growing links between the former rivals.

Police later estimated at least 60 gang members attended the meeting.

Queensland police have refused to comment, but sources say it is "business as usual" across the border.

NSW police admit their hands are tied.

"There's not much we can do to be honest."

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/aerial-surveillance-captures-bikies-antics-in-nsw/story-fnihsrf2-1226807195136

UPDATE: A Beenleigh bikie has been fined $2500 after being caught wearing a 1% Rebels ring at a Coolangatta pub.
Paul Goodeve, 48, was busted by police sporting the large gold ring after a stoush with security guards at the Coolangatta Hotel on Saturday night.

The electrical subcontractor had been out for a drink with his adult son but they left the venue after the son became verbally aggressive with the guards.

When police stopped to question the men outside they noticed Goodeve was wearing a ring bearing the words Rebels Australia, a club insignia and the 1% symbol.

Goodeve, alleged by police to be an active Rebels member, was arrested.

Today he pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court to obstructing police and carrying a prohibited item in a licenced venue.

The banned item offence was created last year as an amendment to the Liquor Licensing Act and carries a maximum penalty of $41,250.

Solicitor Brooke Winter said his client had not flashed the ring around but simply made a "stupid" decision to wear it publicly.

Magistrate Dermot Kehoe fined Goodeve $500 for obstructing police and $2000 for wearing the ring but did not record a conviction.

Meanwhile a high-ranking Mongol has successfully argued in Adelaide Magistrates court that his two-fingered gold 'Fink' ring is just bling, not a knuckleduster. Read more on Adelaide Now.

More details to come in tomorrow's Gold Coast Bulletin.

EARLIER: A member of the Rebels bikie gang with a thing for bling could be slugged a massive fine for wearing his club jewellery to a Gold Coast hotel.

The 48-year-old has been charged with wearing gang-related jewellery - marked with the 1 per cent insignia - in a public place.
He now faces a fine topping $1100 for a night on the town.

The 48-year-old long-term member of the Rebels motorcycle gang's Beenleigh chapter was drinking with friends at the Coolangatta Hotel on Saturday night.

Taskforce Takeback acting Inspector Mat Kelly said police were called to the pub following reports of after there was an altercation with the hotel bouncers.

"One of the males has made a number of threats towards the security guards," Insp Kelly said. "He identified himself with a NSW driver's licence which is when police identified he had on his middle finger a large gold ring which had on it Rebel Australia and the 1 per cent insignia."

Police said security footage showed the man wearing the jewellery at the hotel in breach of the anti-bikie amendments to the Liquor Act.

Taskforce boss Jim Keogh said criminal motorcycle gang members needed to understand it was an offence to wear any club paraphernalia.

The bikie is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today.

Prominent criminal lawyer Bill Potts, of Potts Lawyers, said the idea of arresting people based on clothing or jewellery they wore was "madness".

"It gives a whole new meaning to the term 'fashion police'," Mr Potts said.

http://www.news.com.au/national/rebels-bikie-gang-member-fined-2500-after-he-was-busted-wearing-a-1-ring/story-e6frfkp9-1226806451455

The former head of London’s Hells Angels has failed in a bid to get the nation’s highest court involved in a key provincial battle over his strip club.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed Rob Barletta’s leave to appeal an earlier court decision, sending the precedent-setting contest between outlaw bikers and the province back to square one, a simple licence appeal tribunal.

But the fact the liquor licence hearing has gone so far in the court system underlines the high stakes involved.

Since 2009, Ontario has been trying to load new ammunition in its war on outlaw bikers by getting a precedent-setting ruling to yank the licences for bars and other businesses run by those with ties to the gangs.

That would be a body blow to outlaw bikers using legitimate businesses to raise or launder money, police and crime experts say.

“From everything we’ve seen in the last 30 or 40 years, the Hells Angels is heavily involved in criminal activities, particularly drugs, and prostitution and extortion and murder. You don’t get much more criminal than that,” crime writer James Dubro said Monday.

“It’s not illegal to be a member of a biker gang,” he said.

However, “It seems to me common sense you don’t want to give liquor licences or any special privileges or a taxi licence to someone you have good intelligence information is a professional criminal,” Dubro said. “It’s just common sense.”

That view is shared by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The province’s liquor law bans anyone from having a licence if their “past or present conduct” suggests they won’t carry on business with “integrity and honesty.”

Backed by police testimony, the AGCO argued in an earlier hearing Barletta was “100% devoted” to the Hells Angels with a “good criminal network” and “good aptitude for criminal activity,” meaning he can’t carry on his bar and strip club with integrity and honesty.

Barletta has acknowledged he’s a full-patch member of the Hells Angels and a former president of its London chapter. But his lawyers argue that isn’t proof he’s breaching the Liquor Act.

Barletta has owned the business for 10 years without breaking any laws and himself has no criminal record, his lawyers argue.

In 2011, the AGCO’s own board ruled Barletta wasn’t doing anything wrong, as far as the strip club was concerned.

The AGCO appealed that decision to Ontario divisional court, but lost.

The AGCO then appealed the divisional court ruling to Ontario’s court of appeal, its highest court, and won.

The appeal court ruled the alcohol board and the divisional court both made errors in law, and ordered a new hearing in front of Ontario’s Licence Appeal Tribunal.

But Barletta sought leave to appeal that decision to the Supreme Court of Canada, which dismissed his leave last week.

No date has been set for the appeal tribunal hearing, a spokesperson said.

http://www.lfpress.com/2014/01/20/supreme-court-rejects-strip-club-appeal-case

The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a lower-court ruling to end the trial of 31 members and associates of the Hells Angels.

Quebec Superior Court Justice James Brunton had ordered their release in 2011, arguing the court system was already strained and is simply unable to provide the labour needed to try all 31 individuals.

That ruling was appealed by Louis Dionne, who was Quebec's chief prosecutor at the time.

The 31 people were arrested on drug charges in 2009 in Operation Sharqc — a massive sweep of organized crime groups in the province.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/hells-angels-win-ruling-from-supreme-court-1.2505144

MONTREAL - An ex-Montreal police officer charged with selling sensitive information to criminal bikers will have a preliminary hearing next month.

A judge has scheduled three days in February to hear evidence against Benoit Roberge, who is accused of passing along secrets to the Hells Angels.

Quebec court Judge Robert Marchi will determine whether there is sufficient cause to send the ex-biker gang expert to trial.

Roberge is facing one charge of obstructing justice, one of breach of trust and two related to gangsterism.

He retired in August and had been working for the provincial tax agency. He was subsequently fired from that post following his arrest.

He has been detained since last October and has waived his right to a bail hearing until a later date.

A publication ban was placed on Thursday's discussions about the preliminary inquiry.

Roberge was not present for the hearing and was represented by his lawyer.

The inquiry will take place Feb. 19-21.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/the-canadian-press/140123/ex-montreal-cop-facing-gangsterism-charge-have-preliminary-i

A BRISBANE woman accused of being a Life and Death outlaw motorcycle gang "participant" is the first female to be charged under the State Government's new anti-association laws after she and two men allegedly went inside a pub, north of Brisbane.

Police allege the trio went to the Crown Hotel in Dayboro on December 19, all wearing colours inside the licensed premises.

Detectives said the woman, allegedly the de facto partner of a patched member of Life and Death, was wearing a vest which said "Property of Crow".

The woman is believed to work for the Brisbane City Council as an assistant librarian.

The trio, who appeared briefly in the Petrie Magistrates Court this afternoon, face will spend the next six days in custody before they get the chance to apply for bail.

They are due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 30.

Houses were raided in Manly West and Samford Village by police today, with police seizing drugs and a snake.

Two motorcycles were also seized which police say are liable to forfeiture and crushing, upon conviction.

The trio have been charged with being a participant in a criminal organisation and being knowingly present in a public place and entering and remaining in a licenced premises wearing a prohibited item.

A 54-year-old Manly West man, who is an alleged full patched member of the 'Life and Death' Criminal Motorcycle Gang, has been charged with being a participant in a criminal organisation and being knowingly present in a public place and entering and remaining in a licenced premises wearing a prohibited item, producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils and possessing a protected animal (snake).

A 40-year-old Manly West woman, who is an alleged participant of the 'Life and Death' Criminal Motorcycle Gang, has been charged with one count each of being a participant in a criminal organisation and being knowingly present in a public place and entering and remaining in a licenced premises wearing a prohibited item.

A 60-year-old Samford Valley man, who is an alleged full patched member of the 'Life and Death' Criminal Motorcycle Gang, has been charged with one count each of being a participant in a criminal organisation and being knowingly present in a public place and entering and remaining in a licenced premises wearing a prohibited item and unlawfully possessing a weapon (flick knife).

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-woman-accused-of-being-a-motorcycle-giant-participant-charged-after-meeting-two-men-at-pub/story-fnihsrf2-1226809726293

The Hells Angels Nomads outlaw bikie gang is mobilising its forces to fight an order it remove the heavy fortifications at its Thomastown clubhouse in a legal battle that may ultimately end in Australia's highest court.

A leading defence Queen's counsel on Friday foreshadowed his clients were "marshalling" material for its case to challenge the order recently granted to police under new anti-fortification laws.

Police want removed fortifications from the Lipton Drive address that include a front steel gate with sharpened spikes, a barbed wire and jagged "shark tooth" fence line and night vision, pan, tilt and zoom cameras, CCTV monitors, infrared sensor and locks, bolts and shutters.

David Grace, for the Hells Angel Nomads Pty Ltd, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court to seek an extension of time for his client to object to the order earlier granted to assistant commissioner Stephen Fontana.

Ron Gipp, for Victoria Police, did not oppose the application, but told magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg his client claimed public interest immunity against the disclosure of some parts of an affidavit by a senior member of the police anti-bikie Echo task force.

Mr Gipp claimed privilege on any material that disclosed police methodology, that which could prejudice on-going investigations or identify police informers.

He agreed with Mr Rozencwajg it was a "novel situation" that police relied on material in support of the order that it did not want to disclose to Mr Grace's clients.

The court heard in Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne Cheesman's affidavit there was reference to a police information report about the kidnap, assault and torture of a man and also Hells Angel member Christopher Hudson who murdered a solicitor in King Street.

Mr Rozencwajg noted Hudson's crimes had not been "club business".

Mr Gipp said privilege was also claimed on the release of material that would "severely" compromise any on-going investigation and also police "commentary" on bikie-related media reports.

He said a new and revised affidavit by Detective Cheesman would be drafted next week.

Mr Grace argued that any evidence relied on by police had to be admissible under the Evidence act and that he wanted to compare any new affidavit with the first one.

He said steps had already started to "marshal material" to the oppose the order which would include extensive affidavits, evidence from neighbours near the clubhouse about their security issues and from local police about break ins.

A fully contested hearing could take a week and also involve cross-examining Detective Cheesman, Mr Grace said, who recalled representing in 2003 the West Australian bikie club Gypsy Jokers in a matter that reached the High Court.

Mr Gipp said police were also "very anxious for this to be determined".

Police applied for the fortification order because there were "reasonable grounds" to believe the Thomastown premises were being used, have been or were likely to be in the commission of a specified offence or to conceal evidence of a specified offence.

The matter was adjourned until next month and a hearing booked in for January 13.

http://www.meltonweekly.com.au/story/1792704/thomastown-hells-angels-nomads-face-legal-battle-over-clubhouse/

The expansion of a notorious motorcycle gang into Christchurch and Dunedin represents the revitalisation of outlaw motorcycle clubs, a University of Canterbury gang researcher says.

Gang expert and lecturer Dr Jarrod Gilbert said the expansion of the Bandidos bikie gang into Christchurch and Dunedin represented the ongoing revitalisation of outlawed bikie clubs generally.

"The scene in New Zealand had been on a steady decline for more than a decade but is now experiencing an obvious expansion," Dr Gilbert said.

"The Bandidos were first rumoured to be establishing under a former Highway 61 leader in south Auckland in 2012. Now there is no doubt they are here.

"In Christchurch, a new group, the Rock Machine, have been taken over by the Bandidos in a patch over. What this means is the group is more likely to survive over time because the worldwide Bandido nation, as they call themselves, will lend the local chapter support," Dr Gilbert said.

"Traditionally around the world the Bandidos and the Hells Angels have been bitter enemies. The Bandidos and the Rebels have also had serious conflicts in Australia.

"Whether or not these conflicts emerge in New Zealand is unclear, but I do feel that in a growing scene gang violence becomes somewhat inevitable. In a crowded room, somebody is always going to get elbowed.

"The gang scene throughout New Zealand is on an upswing and Christchurch, as it always has been, is a bellwether city. What happens there is often an accurate reflection of what happens nationally.

"In Wellington and Auckland we are seeing the growth of new clubs and the expansion of others. How many of the new groups achieve longevity is impossible to say, but putting on colours is easy - being able to defend them is another story.

"The existing clubs have had to fight for their right to survive and some may be reluctant to see new groups emerge without challenge. While New Zealand has been remarkably peaceful in recent times, the prospect of gang wars is significantly increasing and I believe is inevitable."

Canterbury professor of sociology Greg Newbold said the general public had little to be concerned about from the gang's expansion.

The Bandidos, established in Texas, was known as one of the "big four" outlaw motorcycle gangs in the United States, along with the Hells Angels, the Pagans and the Outlaws, he said.

"They are a serious group, but being a serious group they are not the kind of group that would go around starting fights and creating a high profile for themselves.

"They'll probably mind their own business as long as people leave them alone, and I would say the general public doesn't need to worry about it," he said.

The Bandidos had an estimated 2500 members and 210 chapters in 22 countries, including Australia where there were 17 official chapters.

Its motto was "We are the people our parents warned us about".

Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis, of the Southern district organised crime squad, said police were aware "small groups" of people were working to establish a Bandidos presence in the area.

As part of his PhD thesis, Dr Gilbert spent 10 years with New Zealand gangs researching his book Patched: The History of Gangs in New Zealand, which recently won the New Zealand Post Book Awards People's Choice Award. He is now working on a second book, looking at murders in New Zealand.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11193111

A man arrested for meeting his alleged bikie brother in public says the laws he was charged under are flawed and he is now facing up to three years' jail.

A man who was arrested under Queensland's controversial anti-bikie laws says he risks being sent back to jail if he goes to the corner store with his brothers.

Joshua Carew was one of five men dubbed the "Yandina 5" who were arrested in December for meeting a month earlier at a pub at Yandina in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

He spent Christmas in jail after he was considered a bikie associate under the new laws and was bailed earlier this month.

Police allege his brother Steven Smith and business partner Paul Lansdowne are members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang.

Carew says he met with the pair, his other brother Scott Conley and another man Dan Whale to deliver a pizza and was arrested several weeks later.

Under the new laws, he is not allowed to meet with his brothers in public.

"On the lounge at home's good, but if we get in the car together to drive to the corner store, nup," he told Brisbane's Triple M radio station.

Carew said while he understood the reasoning behind the laws, it was flawed and meant anyone who was seen with someone suspected of being a bikie could be arrested.

"If you're at a friend's barbecue and your friend has a moment in the prior week... and kills someone, that doesn't make you an associate of the murder," he said.

"You didn't participate in what he did in his own time.

"I don't participate in what they do in their own time."

Carew said their case was a major talking point at an Australia Day rally in Brisbane protesting the new laws, where t-shirts calling for the Yandina 5 to be freed had sold well.

He said he is facing between six months and three years in jail if found guilty of associating with a bikie.

"It seems sort of a bit surreal," he said.

The Yandina 5's trial has been set down for March.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/01/28/brothers-cant-meet-under-anti-bikie-laws

A Hells Angels nominee on trial over the alleged shooting of the 11-year-old son of a rival bikie has decided not to seek bail to attend the funeral of his brother who was allegedly murdered.

Arron James Cluse, 23, is accused of storming into the home at Semaphore of former Fink and now Mongols gang member Mark Sandery in October 2011 and shooting his son twice in the leg.

Cluse's brother, 18-year-old Kayne Cluse, died two weeks ago shortly after he was driven to the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide's north with stabs wounds.

A 51-year-old man has been charged with his murder.

Arron Cluse had applied to the District Court for bail to attend the funeral, expected to be held tomorrow, but withdrew the application this morning.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/21108206/hells-angel-nominee-arron-james-cluse-to-miss-funeral-of-brother-kayne-after-withdrawing-bail-bid/

BELLE CHASSE, LA (WVUE) -

Six Belle Chasse residents are jailed in connection with a case that has lots of twists and turns.

It started off as an alleged kidnapping, then the discovery of a meth lab and suspects with ties to an outlawed motorcycle gang.

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office said an 18-year-old man was kidnapped, beaten and held in a barn on Walker Road in Belle Chasse last week.

"It's scary," said Rathey Encalade, who was cleaning up trees in front of her mother's home on Walker Road.

The victim told deputies he was working near the barn when 38-year-old David Bruce allegedly confronted him about whether he was under the influence of drugs, and told him he would contact his uncle, 37-year-old Gregory Blanchard, who lived on the opposite side of LA 23 on E. Walker Road.

"The victim became scared and contacted the sheriff's office and waited at the roadway because it's a little isolated area," said public information officer Commander Eric Becnel.

Becnel said as the teen waited for deputies to arrive, things got worse for him.

"Mr. Bruce, Mr. Blanchard and Mr. [Michael ]Hahn returned to the location, they battered him -actually Mr. Blanchard struck him three times in the face. While he was on the ground, Mr. Hahn kicked him and they actually dragged him off to a barn," said Becnel.

He said David Bruce tried to mislead deputies by telling them they had arrived at the wrong location.

"After the deputies left, Mr. Bruce went back to the barn where the victim was tied up in a chair with a rope, and Mr. Bruce actually strangled the victim, allegedly until he passed out," Becnel said.

But the deputy followed his gut and returned to the barn area.

"The three suspects informed the deputy that he had actually suffered a seizure from the drug intoxication," said Becnel.

Becnel said a day later, the teenager told authorities he wanted to tell the whole story about some of his alleged attackers.

"The victim became scared for his safety because of connections to the outlawed motorcycle gang that Mr. Blanchard and Mr. Hahn are members of, as well as high-ranking members of a local motorcycle gang here in Plaquemines Parish," said Becnel.

He said the local motorcycle gang is called the LA Riders.

"Which is a support club of the Bandidos motorcycle club," said Becnel.

He said the FBI has named the Bandidos an "outlaw motorcycle gang."

"We were keeping them under our tabs and tracking their movements," Becnel said.

The news was hard to digest in the community.

"There's only a couple of people that live back here, so, I mean, usually no kind of commotion," said Encalade.

On Sept. 18, investigators got a search warrant for Blanchard's trailer, and they did not leave empty-handed.

"We recovered evidence of a meth lab that was being run there, as well as recovered four firearms," Becnel said.

Blanchard was booked with simple kidnapping, false imprisonment, second-degree battery, operating a clandestine meth lab and possession of firearms with a controlled dangerous substance.

Hahn was booked with simple kidnapping, false imprisonment, second-degree battery, operating a clandestine meth lab, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a sawed-off rifle.

Bruce was arrested on a second-degree battery charge.

Lyndsey Fannin was booked with operating a clandestine meth lab, possession of drug paraphernalia and an outstanding NOPD warrant.

Brandon Franklin and Amanda Blanchard were booked with operating a clandestine meth lab.

http://www.wafb.com/story/26631366/allegations-of-kidnapping-meth-making-and-an-outlawed-gang-in-belle-chasse

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(CAN) Ex-Montreal cop facing gangsterism charge to have preliminary inquiry in February

(AUS) Brisbane woman accused of being a motorcycle gang participant charged after meeting two men at pub

(AUS) Thomastown: Hells Angels Nomads face legal battle over clubhouse

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