Daniel James Sweeney denied bail due to ‘serious’ alleged blackmail, assault and unstable relationship

A court heard new information had come to light in the case against a man accused of being embroiled in a row over a bikie gang debt.

An alleged Finks member arrested on blackmail and assault charges amid a row over an alleged $5000 bikie club debt has been refused bail after a court heard his current relationship was too “unstable”.

On Monday, Daniel James Sweeney, 40, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court before Magistrate Kate White charged with aggravated blackmail and aggravated assault. No pleas have been entered.

The court heard from the prosecution that new information had come to light following Mr Sweeney’s original bail application, that the alleged offending related to the attempted collection of a $5000 “club debt” on behalf of the Finks outlaw motorcycle club.

The court heard that examinations of Mr Sweeney’s phone allegedly uncovered video and audio messages said to be related to the alleged offending.

The messages allegedly included “getting the **** in Semaphore”, “grab more money off him”, and “kicking in his door.”

The court then heard that 12 hours following Mr Sweeney’s arrest on April 5, a rock was thrown at the complainants Glanville address, raising concerns for the safety of the community.

“When any member of an OMCG is pursuing a club debt, the community can be caught in the crossfire, neighbours of the complainant, associates of the complainant are all put in harms way,” police prosecutor said.

“We say his ability to communicate, if he was in the community or on home detention bail, would be free.

“He would be able to liaise with other OMCG members, he would be able to continue the pursuit of the debt … home detention bail does not mitigate that risk.”

Police initially alleged that three men went to a Glanville address between March 21 and April 1, and demanded money from the occupant, assaulting him and causing minor injuries.

Following an investigation, officers from the Crime Gang Task Force arrested a 40-year-old Davoren Park man, Mr Sweeney, who they alleged is a member of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang.

Counsel for Mr Sweeney said he did not concede membership to the Finks, and the prosecution’s allegations were a “long bow to draw”.

“My understanding is the prosecution have no evidence to support who, apparently, Mr Sweeney was in company with,” defence counsel said.

“Those suspects, my friend can indicate to the court, are still outstanding.”

The court also heard Mr Sweeney had previously been a “exemplary” example while on his most recent bail agreement, despite the charges alleged to have occurred while serving a suspended sentence.

Ms White noted that concerns had been raised in the home detention report regarding “some volatility” relationship with his current partner.

Ms White refused bail on the grounds the address was “unsuitable” and the seriousness of the allegations, but said a future application for bail could be made if a new address was available.

Mr Sweeney was remanded in custody until the next court date.