OFF THE WIRE
Photo: Forensic police arrive at a home in Plumosa Mews in Duncraig where Troy Mercanti tried to break in on Sunday morning (Grant Wynne)
The Attorney General says the Government will make legislation to crack down on bikies its highest priority when Parliament returns next month.
Christian Porter says he wants to keep the community updated following the weekend arrest of Finks bikie Troy Mercanti after an alleged home invasion. Lawyers for Finks bikie Troy Mercanti today appeared in court on his behalf in relation to the incident in the Perth suburb of Duncraig.
The 44-year-old was arrested yesterday morning as he tried to smash his way into a home on Plumosa Mews.
Police say Mercanti was highly agitated when he was arrested at a neighbour's home.
He was taken to Joondalup Health Campus for treatment but has since been transferred to another hospital.
Mercanti has been charged with trespass and damage over the incident.
He has also been charged with a string of assault charges relating to a domestic violence incident on 6 January.
Detectives from the Organised Crime Squad then executed a search warrant at his home and allegedly uncovered several items of interest, which they are yet to lay charges over.
Mercanti was released from prison in August after serving 2.5 years for causing grievous bodily harm.
He joined the Finks motorcycle gang in 2008 after being kicked out of the Coffin Cheaters earlier that year.
During a brief appearance of those charges today, Mr Mercanti's lawyer Alana Padmanabham told the Perth Magistrates Court her client was medically unfit to appear.
The Magistrate adjourned the matter until Wednesday.
Under the Government's legislation, motorcycle gangs can be declared criminal organisations and their members can be banned from associating with each other.Gang members may also be subject to mandatory jail terms for certain offences.
Mr Porter says he wants to know where Labor's new leader stands on the legislation.
"The Government's announcement is that it will be the first bill to be debated," he said.
"It is absolutely critical to the law and order agenda of this state and we want to know from Labor, who've now had that bill since November of last year, what are they going to do?"
