Former bikie Mark Andrew Sandery to represent himself over assault charges

A former bikie accused of hitting a man with a hammer and stomping on a woman’s head has told a court he will represent himself – prompting a warning by a magistrate.

A former bikie will represent himself on serious gang assault and trespass charges after his defence counsel withdrew from the legal proceedings.

Mark Andrew Sandery, 51, a former Finks and Comanchero bikie, was meant to answer charges that he took part in the hammer bashing of a man and attacked a woman in front of police in November last year.

But Mr Sandery told the court on Wednesday that he was still waiting on disclosure from the prosecution.

“I’m still waiting on DNA from a hammer and the alleged victim has a camera on his front door and has all the footage that I believe he was willing to supply to police,” Mr Sandery told the court.

Former Finks bikie Mark Sandery outside Port Adelaide Magistrates Court during an earlier appearance.

“We’ve asked for these two things prior … it’s imperative to this case because it’s alleged I’ve struck somebody with a hammer but that person was behind a screen door.”

Mr Sandery was charged in November last year after he allegedly became incensed after seeing footage of a man hitting the young woman – his son’s girlfriend – before allegedly heading to his house with a hammer and hitting him through the front fly screen.

A police prosecutor told court, Sandery believed a woman had pulled his son by the hair, so he allegedly pushed her over and stomped on her head.

After realising she was not the one who pulled her hair, the court heard, Sandery apologised to her.

Its alleged Sandery had to be capsicum sprayed by police in their attempts to arrest him.

Back in November, police prosecution opposed any form of bail for Sandery, and cited his significant criminal history as being the primary reason, as well as his links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“I’m very well known in Port Adelaide, and Adelaide, by police,” he said.

“There’s not been one incident where I’ve intentionally not come to court … I’ve always handed myself in.

“I’m very well known so it’s very hard for me.”

Mr Sandery’s two sons were also charged in relation to the offending alongside another 17-year-old. The court has previously heard details of Mr Sandery’s links to motorcycle gangs, which included being a past sergeant-at-arms of the Mongols before defecting to rival gang the Finks.

Booker Sandery, Mark Sandery Junior and Mark Sandery Senior are alleged to have taken part in a wild brawl at Exeter. Picture: Facebook

In court, Magistrate Brian Nitschke stopped Mr Sandrey from speaking any further, before asking if prosecution had received any further negotiations for disclosure.

“Our office was awaiting a request for further disclosure but it was never received,” the police prosecutor said.

Magistrate Nitschke adjourned the matter for Sandery to seek the material from prosecution.

“I would recommend seeking a lawyer Mr Sandery … you’ve been around a long time I know that, but it’s up to you, they know the law.”

Mr Sandery will return to court later this year.