'Bikie brawl': Fresh charges to be laid over brawl at Belconnen Mall
Fresh charges will be laid against three men allegedly responsible for a bikie gang brawl at a Canberra mall, the ACT Magistrates Court has heard.
Kirk Jacques Newman, 27, 35-year-old Lupe Ngata from Crestwood, and 26 year-old Queanbeyan man Dean Reid are accused of being members of the Rebels bikie gang.
The men allegedly waited at an exit of the busy Belconnen Mall before attacking two members of the rival Finks motorcycle gang.
Police arrested the three men 19 days after the attack at the mall, and the court heard the two victims of the attack were not cooperating with police.
The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to lay a fresh charge of aggravated robbery against all three men.
But the prosecution told the court the paperwork had not been done for the new charges and police were yet to be consulted.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said she was perplexed about why the DPP would delay charging the men with the more serious offence, since that affected bail deliberations.
Concerns accused could interfere with witnesses
Newman was granted bail by Chief Magistrate Walker on several conditions, including that he not leave the ACT, or contact his co-accused or witnesses, and that he stay away from the Rebels clubhouse.
Newman has pleaded not guilty to charges of affray and participating in a criminal group.
The prosecution opposed his application for bail and argued he could interfere with witnesses or evidence if released.
But the defence argued Newman should be granted bail in light of court delays, and the fact one of his co-accused was given bail last week.
Newman's partner offered to put up a $4,000 surety to secure his release.
He will face court again in February.
