- Outlaw motorcycle gang Hells Angels planning poker run in test against police and government
- By ROBYN WUTH
- 05/03/2015 Make a Comment (1)
- Contributed by: BigJoe ( 7 articles in 2015 )
Outlaw gang Hells Angels will brazenly defy police and the new Labor Government by holding the first poker run since the launch of the bikie crackdown.
In an “act of defiance” against authorities, the gang will hold the Good as Gold poker run on Saturday, setting off from their South Brisbane clubhouse at 10am.
The run will test the resolve of police and the former Newman government’s controversial anti-bikie laws.
RELATED: HELLS ANGELS SUE COMPANY OVER USE OF THEIR LOGO
RELATED: HELLS ANGEL BUSTED WITH WEAPONS AND DRUGS
The event is seen as a “clear challenge” to the legislation, which bans three or more members of any criminal gang meeting in a public place or from attending clubhouses or club events.
Outlaw gang members who attend risk breaching both sections of the controversial legislation and a six-month jail sentence.
On social media, barrister Wayne Baffsky stated members of the public and social motorcyclists “cannot be charged under section 60A of the Criminal Code”.
“Persons who attend a meeting, gathering, event or a run are not associating with the club or participating in the affairs of the club. Even if you have attended more than one,” he wrote on Facebook.
The Hells Angels’ move is seen as a pre-emptive strike as the Labor Government has promised to review and possibly water down the legislation. Before the crackdown in 2013, the run attracted hundreds of bikers and was escorted by police through red lights and traffic signs.
This year, Taskforce Maxima will monitor the event and ensure the legislation is not breached.
Senior police fear this is a sign of what is to come.
“The Hells Angels are leading from the front,” police said. “This is the announcement they are back and they are here to stay.
“The other clubs will watch this with interest and are ready to jump on the bandwagon.
“The Government has announced a review of the laws and police are unsure of where exactly is the line in the sand.
“We have gone from taking back the streets to not knowing where we stand. It’s a dangerous time.”
Police also fear the clubs will rush to reclaim territory if the run is unchallenged.
“You will see a lot of movement, most clubhouses have been shut down and the clubs see the Coast is up for grabs. There is a real potential for a land grab and clubs that are too slow to move could lose turf.
“The Hells Angels are showing they are ready for the challenge.”
The run comes a day after the Bulletin revealed notorious New Zealand gang Black Power had established a foothold in Beenleigh.
The gang is exempt from the bikie crackdown because it is not named in Queensland’s tough anti-bikie laws.
But Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller yesterday said the situation was being monitored.
“As Police Minister, I don’t care whether they are riding motorcycles or pushbikes or little scooters. If they are committing serious criminal offences, the community expects the police to act,” she said.
In an “act of defiance” against authorities, the gang will hold the Good as Gold poker run on Saturday, setting off from their South Brisbane clubhouse at 10am.
The run will test the resolve of police and the former Newman government’s controversial anti-bikie laws.
RELATED: HELLS ANGELS SUE COMPANY OVER USE OF THEIR LOGO
RELATED: HELLS ANGEL BUSTED WITH WEAPONS AND DRUGS
The event is seen as a “clear challenge” to the legislation, which bans three or more members of any criminal gang meeting in a public place or from attending clubhouses or club events.
Outlaw gang members who attend risk breaching both sections of the controversial legislation and a six-month jail sentence.
On social media, barrister Wayne Baffsky stated members of the public and social motorcyclists “cannot be charged under section 60A of the Criminal Code”.
“Persons who attend a meeting, gathering, event or a run are not associating with the club or participating in the affairs of the club. Even if you have attended more than one,” he wrote on Facebook.
The Hells Angels’ move is seen as a pre-emptive strike as the Labor Government has promised to review and possibly water down the legislation. Before the crackdown in 2013, the run attracted hundreds of bikers and was escorted by police through red lights and traffic signs.
This year, Taskforce Maxima will monitor the event and ensure the legislation is not breached.
Senior police fear this is a sign of what is to come.
“The Hells Angels are leading from the front,” police said. “This is the announcement they are back and they are here to stay.
“The other clubs will watch this with interest and are ready to jump on the bandwagon.
“The Government has announced a review of the laws and police are unsure of where exactly is the line in the sand.
“We have gone from taking back the streets to not knowing where we stand. It’s a dangerous time.”
Police also fear the clubs will rush to reclaim territory if the run is unchallenged.
“You will see a lot of movement, most clubhouses have been shut down and the clubs see the Coast is up for grabs. There is a real potential for a land grab and clubs that are too slow to move could lose turf.
“The Hells Angels are showing they are ready for the challenge.”
The run comes a day after the Bulletin revealed notorious New Zealand gang Black Power had established a foothold in Beenleigh.
The gang is exempt from the bikie crackdown because it is not named in Queensland’s tough anti-bikie laws.
But Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller yesterday said the situation was being monitored.
“As Police Minister, I don’t care whether they are riding motorcycles or pushbikes or little scooters. If they are committing serious criminal offences, the community expects the police to act,” she said.
Source: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/crime-court/outlaw-motorcycle-gang-hells-angels-planning-poker-run-in-test-against-police-and-government/story-fnje8bkv-1227248318809
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