Former gang members escorted in – not a patch on what they used to be
WITH tattoos still visible among the wrinkled skin poking out from the neck of his Gold Coast Australia T-shirt, the man loitering outside Southport Magistrates Court was a living embodiment of the city’s two most hated cliches: trashy souvenirs and the underworld.
“The Rebels – I got out of the club when I was younger,” he said by way of explanation. “Bikies are good people. “They do good for charity they’re not thugs.”
Having paid his fine and declining to give his name, the man shuffled away from the media circus covering the trial stemming from the city’s notorious bikie brawl.
It was a long wait outside the court as the 10 former Bandidos arrived one at a time surrounded by lawyers to avoid a suggestion of breaching the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment legislation.
...
There were a few false starts. The roar of a motorbike engine (surely they wouldn’t dare?) caught everyone’s attention until they realised those were police-issue pants straddling the seat.
“Here they come,” someone called and the media pack turned as one to face Hinze St.
The group strode along together, identical in their colours, but with their hair tied in ribbons – the girls from Aquinas College on a school ex excursion to court.
Some of the court’s other “vi “visitors” seemed to think theyth were in danger of becoming co the stars of the show.
“I better not be on camera. era I swear to God I’ll beat yo your (expletive),” declared a woman,wo who despite wearing enoughen eyeliner to put Captain tai Jack Sparrow to shame, didn’tdid carry out her threat.
For those expecting a show,sh the former Bandidos themselvesthe were disappointing. ing All but one accepted plea deals with Jacques Teamo’s speedy exit in a black BMW the only hint of excitement.
Even Peter Mauric, the only man to go to trial yesterday, looked like a D-list rock star gone to seed with a sad, messy ponytail and crumpled shirt.
During one of several adjournments he remarked even jaywalking was off the table as he’d crossed the street legally. “And I paid my parking.” It seems the bikies of old are, thankfully, not a patch on what they used to be.