New Zealand - Gang member bailed on debt-collecting charge

OFF THE WIRE
A senior Hells Angels gang member charged with unlawful debt collecting has been granted bail.
Andrew Joseph Sisson, 51, of Helensville, northwest of Auckland, was supported by family members and supporters when he appeared in North Shore District Court yesterday.
Sisson was among three Hells Angels members arrested after allegedly using a document titled warrant to repossess to take a Toyota Hilux ute and Dingo Digger from an undercover police officer.
The officer was posing as a debt-struck person under the name William Baker.
Two other members jointly charged with aggravated robbery in relation to the incident were Kishor Chandra Singh and Wayne Brendon, who had earlier appeared in the Manukau District Court.
A fourth man, 21-year-old Nathan Scott Hampton-Burgess, appeared in North Shore District Court on Friday on a charge of aggravated robbery.
Sisson faces several other related charges, including the theft of a Suzuki quad bike from an Auckland couple.
The charges relate to Sisson's involvement in the companies Rapid Recovery 2010 Ltd and Dirty Debtors Ltd - which had a website to name and shame people owing debt.
He also faces charges of possession of three firearms including a Ruger bolt action .243, Ruger bolt action .308, a .22 rifle and 650 bullets.
Through his lawyer Peter Kaye he gave indication he would defend the charges.
Sisson was granted bail to his home until September 26 after being remanded in custody on Friday.
The court heard that police opposed bail because of Sisson's "seniority" within the Hells Angels.
Police were also concerned that Sisson would interfere with witnesses or prevent others from coming forward, and that he would continue working for the businesses.
But Judge David McNaughton said there was no evidence that Sisson would intimidate any witnesses.
He said the witnesses potentially knew "who they were dealing with" at the time.
Sisson's defence lawyer Peter Kaye said Sisson had approached police to ask about the legalities of repossessing property.
He had since said he had "no intention of continuing with the business".
Judge McNaughton asked about having the Dirty Debtors Ltd website removed but changed his mind when told by Kaye that it was not controlled by Sisson.
The judge ordered Sisson not to associate with with debt collectors, collectors working under his instructions, witnesses or other Hells Angel members.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/5568902/Gang-member-bailed-on-debt-collecting-charge