Mark Sandery applies for home detention bail over wild brawl at Exeter

A “notorious” ex-bikie stomped on a woman’s head several times thinking she was a man who had assaulted his son during a wild revenge attack, a court has heard.

A former bikie who was allegedly one of about 15 people thought to have carried out a violent attack on a man they believed assaulted a young woman, has made an application to be released on home detention.

During his bail application in the District Court on Thursday, Mark Andrew Sandery’s defence counsel submitted to the court the 52-year-old was concerned about his children’s safety on the night of November 8, 2022.

It is alleged Mr Sandery hit the man in the head with a hammer before then stomping on the head of a woman in Exeter.

Mark Sandery will face trial over a violent brawl at Exeter.

Stacey Carter, defence counsel for Mr Sandery, submitted to the court her client had learned the male complainant “threatened to shoot” Mr Sandery’s son earlier in the day during an altercation where the complainant allegedly assaulted a young woman.

“His family have sustained really horrific violence towards them,” Ms Carter said.

“They all have PTSD, some years ago Mr Sandery’s son was shot twice in the leg and his other son was sitting right there and his bullet just missed his head.

“There is allowed to be some concern when people make allegations that they are going to shoot Mr Sandery’s sons.”

As a result of the alleged threat made by the complainant, Mr Sandery attended the Exeter home but denies any involvement in the hammer attack.

“He denies throwing the hammer, he denies the hammer went through the front door,” Ms Carter said.

“He (the complainant) is threatening to shoot Mr Sandery’s sons, he is then making threats to Mr Sandery through the door.”

It was further submitted once police arrive and are talking to Mr Sandery, a female neighbour has left her home and began “carrying on” and allegedly hit one of Mr Sandery’s sons in the head with her fist.

Mr Sandery has maintained he never hit the victim with a hammer during the brawl

“Unfortunately, and no disrespect to her, Mr Sandery thought she was a man,” she said.

“He has seen his son be assaulted and the police who are standing there have not done a thing and he’s intervened.”

It is alleged Mr Sandery stomped on her head several times.

The male complainant, the court heard, has since been arrested on possessing firearms charges, which he sought out in fear for retribution from Mr Sandery.

“He’s moved to Whyalla after this incident, if he has moved to Whyalla and knows Mr Sandery is in custody, he does not need to arm himself with firearms,” Ms Carter submitted.

A bail inquiry report was ordered to a home in Adelaide’s north in hopes Mr Sandery could complete home detention while he awaits his trial for the matter in December of next year.

Mr Sandery pleaded not guilty to all of his charges – attempted serious criminal trespass and two counts of aggravated causing harm with intent – back in August

Prosecution told the court they still oppose all forms of bail for Mr Sandery.

“Mr Sandery is a notorious career criminal,” the prosecutor said.

“There are 41 breaches of bail … that includes 10 home detention breaches.”

Sandery has long been known as one of the most feared bikie associates in South Australia.

He was once the Mongols sergeant-at-arms before defecting to rival outlaw motorcycle gang the Finks.

The matter will return to court later this month.