OFF THE WIRE
Hells Angel member Peter Zervas has witnessed the brutal murder of his brother, been shot at and now faces the prospect of serving up to two years in jail.
Psychologists have also diagnosed the bikie gang member with post-traumatic stress disorder and say jail time may only worsen his condition.
Zervas appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday over an affray charge - to which he has pleaded guilty - relating to a bikie gang brawl at Sydney Airport.
His younger brother Anthony Zervas, 29, died on March 22, 2009, after being beaten with steel bollards and stabbed during a fight between the Hells Angels and rival gang Comanchero.
Days after the airport killing, Zervas was seriously injured when his car was sprayed with bullets outside his home.
"There is no argument this man has a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder," psychologist Tim Munroe-Watson told the court.
"He still has grief he hasn't resolved. He is estranged from his mother."
Family friend Leanne Photi, who has known the Zervas family for 20 years, told the court he turned to drugs and alcohol as a young adult about the time his parents separated.
"After everything he's been through the light bulb has finally come on," she said.
"It's dim, but it's come on."
Zervas' barrister Avni Djemal said his client did not start the brawl at the airport nor did he arrive at the airport to engage in confrontation.
Zervas was acting in self-defence and in the defence of his brother, he said.
"He's here because he stood by his brother," Mr Djemal told the court.
Mr Djemal asked for a suspended jail term, if the magistrate, John Favretto, was considering a custodial sentence.
He also floated the option of an intensive corrections order, meaning Zervas would avoid prison but have to comply with a number of conditions such as counselling and community service.
Crown prosecutor Natalie Adams said Zervas knew the situation at the airport might deteriorate and he should have left.
She asked Mr Favretto to impose a jail sentence and noted that the maximum term for the offence was two years.
Mr Favretto adjourned the matter until March 9, when he will sentence Zervas.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/hells-angel-faces-possible-jail-term-20110125-1a3k7.html
