TOUGH new Queensland anti-bikie legislation landed a Mount Isa Rebels associate with a massive fine and two days in police custody at the weekend.
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Michael Potter, 51, was embroiled in a long and interesting legal debate in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court yesterday after he was found wearing a belt buckle synonymous with the Rebels Motorcycle Club inside the Buffs Club.
The case left Mount Isa magistrate Rod Madsen offering a stark warning to those who may no longer be associated with a motorcycle gang to do their best to cover their gang-related tattoos and dispose of their colours completely to avoid the same fate as Potter.
Potter entered a guilty plea for two charges after his solicitor's objection to Potter's refusal of bail, a significant amendment made to The Bail Act by the Newman government, was rejected by the court.
Potter's lawyer Andrew Telford was vigorous in his attempt to defend his client, saying Potter was no longer a member of the Rebels motorcycle gang and had disclosed that to police during the incident on Saturday.
A Mount Isa police prosecutor noted in her submission that Potter not only had the belt buckle but sported a tattoo with two guns and a 1 per cent symbol, synonymous with outlaw motorcycle gangs.
During a search of his Parkside home, a leather vest with Rebels patches and the 1 per cent logo was also found.
Mr Telford argued there was no way his client could have known about the particulars of the new legislation, since they were brought into effect five days earlier, and through disassociating himself with the gang, he should not have been refused bail for the two minor offences.
``This might well be an entirely different circumstance if he was charged with an indictable offence, but these are not indictable offences,'' he said.
Mr Madsen eventually denied Potter's objection, forcing Potter to plead guilty or face more time in police custody while the matter was settled in court.
Potter's belt buckle was destroyed and he was ordered to pay a $2500 fine for wearing the gang-related clothing.
He was the first person in the North West region to feel the full effect of the government's Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill.
