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Nomad bikie Dion Madden jailed for associating with other bikies on 40th birthday

A florist turned drug-dealing bikie made the foolish decision to add fellow bikies to his birthday guest list, where children were present. Now he’s paid the price.

Bikies in Australia- A short history

A drug-dealing Nomad bikie who made the foolish decision to add fellow bikies to his birthday guest list has paid the price with jail.

Dion Jay Madden, 41, claimed he was ignorant of that particular law after his 40th birthday bash ended in arrests.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday heard a police officer saw Madden and other bikies at the Sidewood Estate in Hahndorf on February 21, 2021.

“At the time, each of you were known to be participants of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang,” Magistrate Simon Smart said during sentencing.

The court heard Madden and the other Nomads were together for the two-hour event, which had children present.

The Glynde father-of-three pleaded guilty to being present with two or more criminal organisation participants.

Brandon John Verban, 29, of Flinders Park, has also pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Dion Madden. Photo: Facebook
Dion Madden. Photo: Facebook
Brandon Verban. Picture: Facebook
Brandon Verban. Picture: Facebook

Travis Moran, for Madden, previously told the court he was currently in custody after pleading guilty to multiple drug and firearm offences resulting from a covert police operation.

The Nomads were put under the spotlight during Operation Leo, an investigation that began in December, 2020.

Thousands of dollars worth of heroin and meth were taken off the streets, as well as 11 firearms, five vehicles, four Harley Davidson motorcycles and a jetski after seven properties were searched in Adelaide’s north and east on April 23 last year.

Members of Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang were arrested and charged after the raids. Pictures: SA Police
Members of Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang were arrested and charged after the raids. Pictures: SA Police
The drugs found during the property raids last year. Pictures: SA Police
The drugs found during the property raids last year. Pictures: SA Police

The court heard Madden previously owned his own sports retail store but fell into financial difficulties.

Madden then established a floristry business with his partner and was working there until his arrest in April 2021.

The court heard Madden had only been a member of the Nomads for a couple of weeks before the party and had been unaware of that particular law.

Mr Smart said while he accepted Madden was ignorant of that law, he should familiarise himself with the legislation if he wanted to stay a member of the motorcycle gang.

He sentenced Madden to four months jail.

The sentence was backdated to July 14, 2021.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/adelaide-hills/nomad-bikie-dion-madden-jailed-for-associating-with-other-bikies-on-40th-birthday/news-story/d6679dd43ab461e7c63f68eb7e844d53