AUSTRALIA - Bikie jailed over extortion bid

OFF THE WIRE
A Rock Machine bikie who demanded two teenagers either pay him $2000 or record themselves bashing their friend has been jailed for three years for the failed extortion attempt.
Brent James Reker, 27, was convicted of two counts of demanding property with oral threats following a trial by jury in September last year.
Reker was the sergeant-at-arms with the Rock Machine outlaw motorcycle gxxg in late 2010 when he gave two teenagers he met through the gxxgs tattoo parlour a "bash or cash" ultimatum.
In sentencing today District Court Judge Simon Stone said Reker had put pressure on tattooist Kyle Adam Barry to tell the young men, Andrew Clark and Luke Santich, that he wanted either the cash or footage of another man, Adrian Seclier, being bashed.
The ultimatum was given after the two victims had supposedly boasted about their association with the gxxg, an accusation both men denied.
Mr Clark and Mr Santich were unable to pay the $2000 but did not want to attack their friend.
They were told they would be killed if they went to the police, but authorities became involved after Mr Clark's parents found out about the threats.
Today Judge Stone said that Reker was the mastermind behind the scam and had shown limited remorse.
"It seems to me that to demand these young men bash their friend and provide proof with video footage is insidious and cruel," Judge Stone said.
Judge Stone said Reker had admitted one of the reasons he had been promoted to the gxxgs sergeant-at-arms was because of his threatening appearance. Reker has extensive tattoos on his body and face, including the words "Fear This" on his eye lids.
Reker was sentenced to three years prison for each of the offences, but the terms are to be served concurrently. He is eligible for parole and could be released after serving 18 months behind bars.
Barry was sentenced to two years jail with eligibility for parole in November last year.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/12939267/bikie-jailed-over-extortion-bid/