Nomad bikie Dion Madden pleaded guilty to associating with other bikies on 40th birthday

A florist who lived a double life as a drug-dealing Nomad bikie made the foolish decision of inviting fellow bikies to his 40th birthday – now he’s facing jail.

A drug-dealing Nomad bikie who celebrated a milestone birthday with loved ones also made the foolish decision to add fellow bikies to the guest list.

Dion Jay Madden, 41, had only been a member of the outlaw motorcycle gang for a couple of weeks before his “deliberate breach” of the law.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday heard Madden’s party was a two-hour event in a public setting at Hahndorf on February 21, 2021, with 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

Brandon Verban. Picture: Facebook

Travis Moran, for Madden, 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

The drugs found during the property raids last year. Pictures: SA Police

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

“The store was liquidated, he lost everything in the financial sense,” Mr Moran said.

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

“He’s a florist?” asked a surprised Magistrate Simon Smart.

“That’s an unusual choice of occupation for someone in an outlaw motorcycle gang.”

The court heard the floristry business had since closed down.

Mr Moran said the offence was on the lower end of seriousness.

“There are no colours being worn, there’s no other anti-social behaviour,” he said.

Mr Moran said 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.

The court heard the chapter Madden was a member of had since disbanded.

Mr Moran said they accepted immediate jail was the only appropriate penalty for the offence.

Mr Smart will sentence Madden for the “deliberate breach” next week.