Jailed bikie says Hells Angels affiliation no issu

OFF THE WIRE
BY: Phoebe Stewart
Source: abc.net.au
Australia - ~Jailed bikie says Hells Angels affiliation no issue~
A Darwin member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, jailed over a pub brawl, has argued that it is unfair his membership with the group was considered when looking at his prospect for rehabilitation.

Nicholas Frank Cassidy was found guilty of aggravated assault and jailed for a non-parole period of 15 months last year.

He was involved in a brawl at the Airport Hotel in 2007 that was sparked after a man commented on Cassidy's weight while he ordered takeaway food.

Today, Cassidy is appealing against both his conviction and sentence.

His lawyer argued that it was unfair for the sentencing judge to consider Cassidy's membership with what the lawyer called "a motorcycle gang" when looking at his prospects of rehabilitation.

But today Justice Dean Mildren said Cassidy's character was relevant in sentencing, adding "if you're going to lie down with dogs, you can't exactly complain if you catch fleas".

The hearing continues.