Colin and James Crane enter pleas over Clint Starkey alleged murder at Peats Ridge
Two brothers, who allegedly orchestrated the bashing murder of Clint Starkey at a Peats Ridge service station, have entered pleas.
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Two brothers, one a former Rebels outlaw bikie president and life member, have entered pleas in relation to the murder of Clint Starkey two years ago.
Appearing separately via video link at Gosford Local Court on Friday, Rebels life member Colin Steven Crane and his brother James Peter Crane both pleaded not guilty to a single charge of murder as well as a charge of counselling, procuring and encouraging four men to murder Clint Starkey in Peats Ridge between April 2 and June 13 2017.
While they were not present during the attack, allegedly carried out by four Rebels, the brothers have been charged with murder on the basis of being part of a joint criminal enterprise.
Police allege Colin Crane, 52, of Narara, directed the bashing following a series of interactions, including that Mr Starkey threatened to shoot up the house of the Rebels life member, reversed his car at him and his daughter, and had an argument with his girlfriend.
Police further allege his brother James Crane, 55, of Terrigal, helped organise the bashing by calling other members of the Rebels outlaw bikie gang to carry out Colin Crane’s direction.
When Magistrate Peter Barnett read out the charge to James Crane, he replied with a firm “definitely not guilty” while his brother Colin also replied firmly “not guilty”.
They will now join four men charged with carrying out the attack in a Supreme Court trial next year.
They are both listed for arraignment in the Sydney Supreme Court on October 2.
Alleged bikie sergeant at arms Adam Symons, 39, of Woy Woy, Beau McDonald, 28, of Blue Bay, Guy Robertson, 31, of Davistown, and Jake McDonough, 27, of Woy Woy, have all previously pleaded not guilty to murder and have been adjourned for committal to stand trial in the Sydney Supreme Court.
Police allege Mr Starkey was driven to the service station shortly after midnight on Thursday, April 6, 2017, where he was met by the four men who allegedly punched, kicked and stomped on him.
The 42-year-old was then driven to Gosford Hospital before being flown to Royal North Shore Hospital where he remained with critical head injuries until his death on June 12.
Police established Strike Force Bartondale to investigate the assault and circumstances surrounding Mr Starkey’s death.
The man who allegedly drove Mr Starkey to the service station in Peats Ridge and then later drove him to hospital has also previously pleaded not guilty to two charges including murder and being an accessory before the fact.
The 43-year-old, only known as SR because of a suppression order on his full name, remains on bail and will also stand trial in the Supreme Court next year.