Friday, May 27, 2011

AUSTRALIA -Gang member called for reinforcements, court told

OFF THE WIRE
Bexley bikie Mahmoud ''Mick'' Hawi told a fellow Comanchero outlaw motorcyle gang member to phone for reinforcements before his flight landed at Sydney domestic airport two years ago, a court heard today.

After the plane landed there was a clash at the airport between members of the Comanchero gang and a rival group, the Hells Angels, resulting in the death of Anthony Zervas.

Mr Hawi, 30, is one of six Comanchero members to face a charge of murdering Mr Zervas at the airport.

The trial, before a jury of 15 which will be culled to 12 just before it delivers its verdict, heard the prosecution's opening submissions in the case against the men and that of a co-accused member of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang.

The Hells Angels defendant is not charged with murder, but with rioting and affray.

Mr Hawi was formerly the national president of the Comanchero gang and he and all the co-accused have pleaded not guilty.

During today's hearing at the Supreme Court at Parramatta, the jury was told the victim was not a Hells Angels member but the brother of a member, Peter Zervas.Anthony Zervas died after suffering massive head injuries and stab wounds.

It was alleged that there would be evidence that five bollards were involved in the fight that broke out between 12 Comanchero members and five members or associates of the Hells Angels.

Mr Hawi allegedly was abusive to a Hells Angels member who happened to be on the same flight returning from Melbourne to Sydney before the incident.

The trial before eight men and seven jury members is expected to last six months.

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/crime-and-law/gang-member-called-for-reinforcements-court-told/2174954.aspx