AUSTRALIA - Bandidos members facing trial

OFF THE WIRE
SENIOR members of the Ipswich Bandidos club attacked a man and made him mop up his own blood because he owed them money, a court was told yesterday.

The three bikies are accused of making the 36-year-old hold a burning notebook during a protracted assault at the Bandidos’ Ipswich clubhouse.

Ipswich District Court heard David Joseph Beddow, then a member of the Ipswich chapter, was asked to meet the men at the Turley St club on February 18, 2009.

When he arrived Beddow was called “junkie scum” and accused of “hiding behind the club’s name and colours” and using needles, the court heard.

In his opening address, crown prosecutor John Copley said the club’s president, Gary Thomas Williams, 51, then “king hit” Beddow, followed by Mark William Genrich, 46, the secretary, whose punches caused a bloody nose.

Beddow was then ordered to mop up his own blood, which had spilled on the floor, Mr Copley said.

Sergeant at arms Craig Thomas Gorman, 40, then allegedly forced Beddow to hold a burning notebook until the metal spiral blistered his fingers.

Mr Copley said Gorman and another member, Jeffrey Wayne West, 40, then went to Beddow’s home to collect his club paraphernalia.

While they were gone, Williams and Genrich allegedly “jabbed” Beddow with a sledgehammer handle and a broken pool cue and punched him some more.

Mr Copley said Genrich threatened Beddow with a knife and he was allegedly robbed of his mobile phone and $20.

Genrich then allegedly grabbed Beddow and tried to throw him to the floor, but the complainant slipped on his own blood, Mr Copley said.

Mr Copley said Beddow was told he owed the club money for fixing his motorcycle and he would have to bring $300 to the clubhouse every Friday by 8pm.

Gorman, Williams and Genrich have all pleaded not guilty to charges including assault occasioning bodily harm in company, deprivation of liberty and robbery.

West, 40, is not charged with any offences over the alleged incident.

The trial, before Judge Gregory Koppenol, is expected to last three days.

http://www.qt.com.au/story/2011/06/30/bandidos-members-facing-assault-trial/