Pumping his fist and wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan Criminal Muscle, a bikie boss walked out of court a free man after convincing a magistrate to grant him bail on serious extortion charges.
Perth Magistrate’s Court was told yesterday they are alleged to have demanded a car and cash from a tax accountant in 2013 and money from a tattoo parlour owner between 2015 and 2017. They were held in custody after their arrests but were granted bail, despite opposition from police.
They have pleaded not guilty. The court heard the tax accountant allegedly submitted income tax returns in support of mortgage applications for Mr Martin but that in 2013, Mr Martin was hit with a tax bill for $382,000 after a tax office audit.
The court was told Mr Martin, in October 2013, went to the accountant’s business with his wife and demanded the key to his car, valued at $95,000, and that he sign transfer papers.
The victim was allegedly driven to a bank branch by Mrs Martin to withdraw $30,000, of which $6600 was handed over to Mr Martin.
Magistrate Elaine Campione was also told a Perth tattoo parlour owner parted with over $138,000 in alleged protection money.
The victim was allegedly told he allegedly had to pay $300 a week to the Rebels for each of his four tattoo shops. He initially did not make any payments but later paid the money electronically and in cash.
Among Mr and Mrs Martin’s bail conditions are that they not contact prosecution witnesses and surrender their passports.
They will return to court next month.
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Source: The West Australian