Magistrate: 'Strong connection' between four Sydney men and outlaw bikie gang

A MAGISTRATE said there was "strong connection” between four Sydney men charged with robbery in Mackay and an outlaw gang

Police arrest five Sydney residents outside an Ooralea home. Picture: Emily Smith

THERE was a "strong connection” between four Sydney men charged with robbery in Mackay and an outlaw gang a Mackay Magistrate said.

Viliami Hafoka Iongi, Fatongia Alepini Hanisi, Tevita Vakeifanga Fangaloka and Medhat Makaryous were arrested in Ooralea and charged under the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) Act. Veronica Lisa Harte was charged with the men, but not under the Act.

A bail hearing continued in Mackay Magistrates Court today. Magistrate Damien Dwyer said last year at least one of the men had been seen wearing the "colours” of a gang.

The court was told that Iongi and Hanisi were not Australian passport holders. Defence solicitor Michael Ayache proposed six bail conditions that he said would mitigate the risks the prosecution had put forward: that the defendants may interfere with witnesses and reoffend. Mr Dwyer questioned the surety offer of $20,000.

Mr Ayache said all the men were tradesman, people "from average means”.

He said they were "family men”. One supported elderly parents while some of the men had mortgages with their partners.

Mr Dwyer said he would deliver a decision on September 7.

Originally published as Magistrate: 'Strong connection' between four Sydney men and outlaw bikie gang