Rebels president Damien Vella denies resisting police after roadside stop

A national bikie gang president and a Raptor Squad officer had a “robust” war of words as the high profile Rebel was arrested following a vehicle stop in Sydney’s west.

Rebels national president Damien Vella at Penrith Courthouse on December 12.

A national bikie gang president and Raptor Squad officer exchanged stern words as the high ranking Rebel copped OC spray and a set of handcuffs following a vehicle stop in Sydney’s west.

Rebels national president Damien Vella was charged with resisting police in December 2021 after Raptor Squad officers pulled him and his partner over in Silverdale to check his motorbike.

Vella has denied any wrongdoing and fought the charges at a hearing at Penrith Local Court on December 12.

Bodyworn video from Raptor Squad officers Constable Stephen Norris and Senior Constable Alexander Brimfield was played during the hearing, revealing how the officers ultimately subdued the high ranking bikie.

Constable Norris first advises Vella – who is wearing a motorcycle vest and singlet emblazoned with Rebels colours – he is being pulled over for a vehicle inspection on his Harley Davidson.

“I’m cruising with my lady, do I have to have a destination,” Vella asks the officer.

“It’s a nice day, we’re going for a f**king ride … yeah, I wear colours, that’s not against the law, you’re getting all uptight.”

Rebels national president Damien Vella and his partner leaving Penrith Courthouse.

Constable Norris then informs Vella his bike is getting a red label – a defect notice which means he cannot ride the bike at all until an identified issue is resolved – because the bike is missing reflectors.

Constable Brimfield later gave evidence he saw the bike was missing reflectors when he turned his head as their police car passed the bike, and that this was a common issue with Harley Davidsons.

“Red label for a f**king reflector,” Vella says in disbelief.

“Don’t step forward to me,” Constable Norris warns.

“Search me buddy, f**king red label, never in my life have I heard that, for a reflector you’re going to give me a red label,” Vella fires back.

Constable Norris then asks for Vella’s bikie vest to check it for weapons, and Vella removes and shakes it but does not immediately relinquish it to the officer.

“Relax, or you’re going to get a spray,” Constable Norris warns.

When Vella fails to relinquish the vest, Constable Norris sprays him with OC spray.

“He’s done nothing wrong, don’t f**king touch him,” Vella’s partner and passenger screams in the background of the footage.

Constable Norris then endeavours to handcuff Vella, while Constable Brimfield assists.

“Put your f**king hands behind your back, put your hands behind your back c**t,” Constable Norris says, as Vella struggles with the effects of the OC.

“You sprayed me, I can’t hear, my eyes are burning f**khead,” Vella yells.

“Your ears still work, all you had to do was relax,” Constable Norris responds.

“My hands are burning too.”

At court on December 12, Constable Norris explained his use of colourful language under examination from Vella’s barrister Michael Coroneos.

“The situation had become confrontational, sometimes it calls for robust language,” Constable Norris said.

“At the time I was placing handcuffs I was justified in escalating (physically) and I chose to escalate my language instead of escalating force and that seemed to work.”

Vella then continues to complain about Constable Norris’ decision to spray him with the OC.

“Look how big youse are,” Vella yells.

Damien Vella in his bikie colours.

Bodyworn footage from both Constable Norris and Constable Brimfield shows both officers are significantly taller than Vella.

Constable Brimfield, who was present with Constable Norris during the arrest, also gave evidence about Vella’s alleged resistance.

“He was tensing up and holding his arms in a way where they could not be manipulated or moved …(the force required to move him was) significant,” Constable Brimfield said.

The videos, which continue for a number of minutes, also show Constable Norris searching the police car for a water bottle without success in efforts to decontaminate Vella.

“My f**king head’s burning, what did I do to you to get my colours,” Vella continues.

At the December 12 hearing, Constable Norris said he had wanted to check Vella’s vest over concerns around mounting tensions between rival gangs.

“I had an understanding that the Rebels and the Finks were in conflict with each other, the issues were escalating, which would, in my opinion, give him reason to carry a weapon for self defence or to attack someone else,” Constable Norris said.

“The area we were in has traditionally been Rebels territory, the Finks were moving in which has been causing considerable problems.”

Constable Norris then asks if Vella has any Covid-19 symptoms and whether he is vaccinated, which the bikie president confirms he is.

“Strong as a bull, mate,” Vella says.

Magistrate Gregory Moore will give his judgment in the matter in January 24 next year.