Grieving parents confront Bandidos bikie who beat their son to death
The mother of a man bashed to death by Bandidos bikies has stared down her son’s killer in court.
Michael Strike was dragged into the gang’s Brunswick clubhouse where he suffered catastrophic injuries.
His family still do not know why. They were reduced to tears when they confronted his killer, Luke Maybus.
“But at least I faced who did it to him and I'm glad I did that, I looked him straight in the eye and told him what I thought and I’m glad I did that,” Sandra Strike said.
Maybus was one of three Bandidos bikie members involved in the 38-year-old's death in May 2014.
A drunk and stumbling Mr Strike was captured on security cameras walking towards the Brunswick clubhouse.
He was last seen stirring up a pit bull tied up out the front, before he was dragged inside and set upon.
“Anyone who knows Michael, he was an absolutely loving guy, as I've always said. He'd give his last $5, he'd help anybody out,” the victim’s stepfather Peter Strike said.
Mr Strike was beaten up to 17 times with a metal pole. His injuries were described as 'catastrophic'.
Maybus then dumped a lifeless Mr Strike at a nearby cemetery, and set fire to the van he used to transport the body.
The court heard Maybus was promoted within the Bandidos after the incident.
He was also awarded an "Expect No Mercy" badge, which he wore with pride.
Maybus pleaded guilty to manslaughter during his trial, but denies he inflicted the fatal blow.
Defence counsel told the court his client was remorseful, but the Supreme Court judge replied: “It appears it was a plea motivated by self interest not remorse... He was at risk of being found guilty of murder."
“Michael has no voice now we had to be his voice today and lets hope the judicial system will now speak for him in the sentencing," Peter Strike said.
