Australia,Axe attacker wanted to 'shoot up' pub

OFF THE WIRE
Leah Fineran
AN angry man -- believed to be a member of the Bandidos motorcycle gang -- who was ejected from the Mermaid Tavern last night for fighting, threatened to 'shoot up' the place but instead returned wielding an axe, a court has been told.
John Michael Fahey, 35, of Mermaid Waters faced the Southport Magistrates Court today charged with going armed to cause fear, wilful damage and being disorderly on licensed premises.
Security guards told police they ejected Mr Fahey and two others at 8.50pm yesterday after he punched the security manager in the head several times.
Police alleged Mr Fahey, a self-employed shop owner, made threats he would return to shoot up the place.
Then at 9.30pm Mr Fahey allegedly returned with an axe and smashed a reinforced glass door, showering security guards with glass.
Police prosecutor Rosanna Doolan said numerous security guards were injured by broken glass and pub patrons scattered in fear.
He was soon after restrained by multiple guards.
Ms Doolan opposed bail on grounds that Mr Fahey had a history of assault charges and was at risk of reoffending.
His lawyer Jodi Allen argued Mr Fahey had no history of breaching bail and would consent to strict bail conditions.
She said her client was a father of two children and intended to plead guilty at a later date but required bail to get his businesses in order before facing court again.
Acting Magistrate Gary Finger granted Mr Fahey bail with conditions that he stay at least 100m away from the Mermaid Tavern, not approach any staff members, report to police three times a week and not move from his Mermaid Waters home.

Mr Fahey will return to court on December 14.

A second man who was issued with a liquor infringement notice for resisting eviction and entering when refused entry during the incident will face court later this month.