Police link attack suspects to bikies
THREE Tasmanians who police say have links to a motorcycle gang have been arrested after a violent home invasion in the North-West.
The arrests follow a spate of charges laid in the North last week against people police say are connected to the Bandidos motorcycle club.
The arrests come as the State Government prepares to table its new anti-bike laws in Parliament next month.
Under the proposed changes, outlaw motorcycle gang members with criminal convictions will be banned from associating with each other — in public or private — and will be banned from wearing club colours.
Under the Organised Criminal Gang Legislation, Tasmania Police and the Government have their eyes on the Bandidos, Black Uhlans, Devil’s Henchman, Outlaws and Rebels, who they say are involved in drug distribution and violence, and whose presence in Tasmania is increasing.
The Bandidos have denied they are involved in the manufacture and distribution of ice.
Police say the latest arrests were three “known associates of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang” and were charged after a home invasion at Ridg- ley. Police allege a man was punched multiple times to the head and threatened with a tomahawk during the invasion.
They say the 44-year-old Ridgley man was home in bed asleep when he was woken by two men in his bedroom. The men had allegedly forced entry through a rear door of the home at 12.30pm on Sunday.
The men accused of breaking in were a 36-year-old from Burnie, who police say was carrying a tomahawk and a wooden baseball bat, and a 53-yearold man from Latrobe.
Police claim two women, both of Burnie, also entered the man’s house.
After an argument, police say the victim was allegedly punched 10 to 12 times to the head and to his left side.
The alleged victim ran from the house and alerted police at a nearby property. He was taken to the North West Regional Hospital for treatment for severe chest pain, bleeding and suspected broken ribs.
Police have not been able to interview the 36-year-old Burnie man they say was involved, and are still looking for him.
The Latrobe man has been charged with aggravated burglary, Criminal Code assault and driving offences while the two woman were both charged with aggravated burglary and Criminal Code assault.