Alleged Finks bikie Daniel Sweeney accused of blackmail has assault charge dropped

Assault charges have been dropped against an alleged Finks bikie – who still stands accused of blackmail over a $5000 “club debt”.

An alleged Finks bikie will remain in custody for allegedly blackmailing a man over a club debt – but no longer faces assault charges.

On Tuesday, Daniel James Sweeney, 40, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with two counts of aggravated blackmail and aggravated assault.

Prosecutors told Chief Magistrate Judge Mary-Louise Hribal they were proceeding with only a single count.

Court records show one count of aggravated blackmail is still pending. Mr Sweeney, of Davoren Park, is yet to enter a plea.

During a previous unsuccessful home detention bail bid, 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 complainant’s Glanville address, raising concerns for the safety of the community.

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”.

The court heard before entering pleas, the prosecution needed time to collect the remaining evidence needed in the case.

Judge Hribal remanded Mr Sweeney in custody until his next appearance in August.