Thursday, March 31, 2011

Australia - Rock Machine defector beaten over his club tattoo: police

The man had allegedly tried to leave the Rock Machine and set about having a tattoo removed, which is the calling card of gang membership.
The man had allegedly tried to leave the Rock Machine and set
about having a tattoo removed, which is the calling card of gang membership.






OFF THE WIRE
Aja Styles
 smh.com.au

A bikie gang member was set upon and bashed by his own club after attempting defection by removing a tattoo, police believe.
The member of the Rock Machine was followed by a group of men to his Hammond Park home, shortly after being released from police custody at the weekend following a series of raids on members' homes.
Police were called to the southern suburbs home after St John Ambulance attended the property at 4pm yesterday.
The man was taken to hospital suffering facial injuries but refused to co-operate with police over the matter.
It is understood the assault was by other members of his gang and not by rival gang, the Rebels.
The man had allegedly tried to leave the Rock Machine and set about having a tattoo removed, which is the calling card of gang membership.
Organised and serious crime squad officers are investigating the incident.
Last week Assistant Commissioner, Nick Anticich, said police feared a drug turf war between rival bikie gangs, the Rebels and the Rock Machine, may escalate into a "cataclysmic event".
It followed police raids on 17 properties and resulted in the seizure of heavy calibre guns, unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
On Thursday, a 30-year-old Rock Machine member was charged with attempted murder, wilfully destroying evidence and possessing an unlicensed firearm.
The man, whose name has been suppressed for his own safety, is accused of shooting 41-year-old Rebels leader Nick Martin, who was wounded in the arm outside his Balcatta home.
- with AAP