DNA links to shotgun

Accused bikie faces court on multiple charges

AN accused bikie whose “mixed DNA” was allegedly found on a jumper wrapped around a shotgun inside a car boot, told police he was looking after the vehicle for a friend, a court has heard.

However, less than six months earlier Saleh Atasoy, 33, allegedly told a police officer he had recently purchased and owned the white Mercedes C63.

The Southport Magistrates Court was told on Monday that the vehicle – along with two others at his Benowa property – was allegedly stolen and had a duel vehicle registration numbers (VIN).

Police allege a black Toyota HiLux parked 70 metres from his Benowa property was also stolen, had a duel VIN and fake plate.

Atasoy, accused of having links to the Lone Wolfs outlaw motorcycle gang, was committed on Monday to stand trial in the District Court on drug, weapon and unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences.

The court heard detectives allegedly found a shotgun wrapped in a jumper in the Mercedes during a raid on December 3.

Atasoy allegedly told officers he was looking after the vehicle for a friend.

Forensics found mixed profile DNA on the collar of the jumper allegedly matching Atasoy.

“It’s a hundred billion times more likely that Mr Atasoy contributed to that profile than him not,” prosecutor Jack Mulherin said.

Senior Constable Mulherin said Atasoy’s text messages allegedly revealed discussions about attempts to sell the vehicle, and a receipt with his business name.

A key to the Toyota HiLux was also found in the Benowa residence.

Inside the glove box was a laptop bag allegedly containing two handguns and dangerous drugs, including cannabis.

A Coles bag was also found, allegedly with Atasoy’s fingerprint.

Defence barrister Martin Longhurst argued there was no case to answer for the drug and weapon offences as there was nothing to suggest his client was in control or management of the vehicles.

He said the white Mercedes was registered to a woman, who was known to Atasoy, but she had never been spoken to by police.

Mr Longhurst said the mixed DNA was “not unusual”.

He said the charges relating to the HiLux were “wholly circumstantial” as there was no evidence Atasoy used the vehicle.

But Magistrate Mark Howden said it could be determined Atasoy was in the management and control of the vehicles and committed him to stand trial.

Three other offences were adjourned to December 8.