Finks bikie Nathan Lazarus fined for resisting police at home of Ali Bilal

Police wanted to search a home for guns when a former member of the military adopted a “fighting stance” and ran at them, a court has heard.

Finks bikie Nathan Lazarus arrives at Goulburn Local Court on Thursday. Picture: Blake Foden

A patched bikie ran towards police and violently “thrashed” around while resisting officers, who wanted to search the home of an alleged gang boss for guns, a court has heard.

After former military man Nathan Lazarus was medically discharged from the Australian Defence Force, he traded a life in uniform for Finks outlaw motorcycle gang colours.

But the imposing 31-year-old was wearing neither when he turned up at Goulburn Local Court in a suit on Thursday, growling “you right there, mate” as he was photographed.

Lazarus was there to plead guilty to a charge of resisting police, for which he was ultimately convicted and fined $1200.

Upon the entry of that plea, prosecutors withdrew a further charge of assaulting police.

Former Australian Defence Force member Nathan Lazarus outside court. Picture: Blake Foden

Nathan Lazarus in Finks outlaw motorcycle gang colours. Picture: Instagram

Court documents reveal police attended the Wollogorang home of Ali Bilal, a former high-ranking Rebels bikie who is now alleged to be the president of a new Finks ACT chapter, to conduct a firearm prohibition order compliance check in September 2023.

Lazarus was living with Bilal at the time and working at his property as a greyhound trainer, according to the documents, which state the 31-year-old has “confirmed to police that he is a current patched member of outlaw motorcycle gang the Finks”.

Veteran bikie boss Ali Bilal, with whom Nathan Lazarus lived at the time in question. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

As local police and members of the bikie-busting Raptor Squad entered a large steel shed on the property, documents state Lazarus turned and “rushed away” while using his phone.

He then switched the device off and turned to face police with his fists raised, in what officers described as a “fighting stance”.

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie said Lazarus then ran at police and pushed an officer away.

Police responded by performing a “takedown” in an attempt to control Lazarus, who has admitted he “continued to grab and push away” three officers.

Nathan Lazarus, who has been fined $1200. Picture: Blake Foden

“Due to the level of violence”, the documents state, it took two bursts of capsicum spray for police to subdue and handcuff Lazarus.

In court on Thursday, defence lawyer Jack Dunn noted the involvement of the Raptor Squad.

“I put it to the court that they don’t treat people like my client too kindly,” he said.

Mr Dunn said it was important for the court to consider that the incident had occurred on private property and in the context of a firearm prohibition order served on Bilal.

Ali Bilal, who is alleged to be the president of the Finks’ new ACT chapter. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

There is no suggestion police found any firearms at the property of 52-year-old Bilal, who is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The defence lawyer described Lazarus as an educated man, saying the 31-year-old had completed a bachelor of business during his time in the military.

The court heard Lazarus had been discharged from the Australian Defence Force because of a shoulder injury, and that he had later taken up work as a greyhound trainer.

However, the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission suspended his registration when he was charged over last year’s incident.

Nathan Lazarus worked as a greyhound trainer until his registration was suspended when he was charged. Picture: Facebook

Lazarus lost an appeal against the suspension, which Mr Dunn described as extracurial punishment, earlier this year.

“What his behaviour has done is put him out of work,” Mr Dunn told the court.

“He’s been living off other friends since this offending occurred.”

Noting Lazarus’ criminal record revealed a “complete lack of history for violence”, Mr Dunn sought a non-conviction order.

Prosecutors opposed this, advocating for a conviction and a community correction order.

The magistrate, who ultimately opted for a conviction and fine, told Lazarus his time in the military should have taught him to respect figures of authority like police officers.

“They’re not there for you,” Ms Beattie told the 31-year-old.

“They’re there for someone else, so that sort of behaviour is concerning.

“Just stay where you were. Let them do their job. It’s none of your business.”