WA: Seven bikies arrested in Rebels gang crackdown
26 Nov 2008 3:08 PM
PERTH, Nov 26 AAP - Police have launched a crackdown on the Rebels bikie gang in Western Australia, arresting seven of its members on charges including assault, stealing and drug dealing.
The 43-year-old sergeant-at-arms and 39-year-old president of the gang were each charged with assault with intent to rob, grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty and threats with intent to gain a benefit.
The sergeant-at-arms was also charged with stealing and attempting to possess methyl amphetamine with intent to sell or supply.
Five other members, aged between 24 and 44, were charged with offences including assault with intent to rob, grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty and stealing.
Police said the charges, which were to be heard in Perth Magistrates Court over the next three days, were not linked to arrests in Victoria connected with the shooting death of Bandidos bikie Ross Brand.
Sergeant Greg Lambert said the charges follow a lengthy investigation into the Rebels, which has a history of clashes with rival gangs.
In 2003, former Rebels president Gavin McMaster was sentenced to nine years jail for shooting two members of the Coffin Cheaters at a Bunbury nightclub in February 2002.
While serving his sentence, McMaster received life-threatening burns when he was doused in a flammable liquid and set on fire by a fellow inmate at Perth's Casuarina prison.
