Glen Hammond: Bandidos bikie charged with firearm offences

The mum of an outlaw bikie, arrested as part of the police response to the fatal shooting of Mahmoud ‘Brownie’ Ahmad, will claim ownership of a pistol found at their family home, a court has heard.

The mum of an outlaw bikie may claim ownership of a pistol allegedly found at their home after her son — a senior member of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang — was arrested on weapons charges.

Glen Craig Hammond, 50, of Picnic Point pleaded guilty to owning a slingshot — which are illegal in NSW — and is fighting the second firearms charge for an old starter pistol allegedly found in the home he was living in.

He was charged by police on April 28 as part of organised crime operational group Strike Force Hawk, which ramped up activity after the public murder of Mahmoud ‘Brownie’ Ahmad in Greenacre on April 27.

Appearing in court today alongside Hammond’s lawyer Mark Klees was his mum, ex-wife, and partner.

Hammond was under a firearms prohibition order when police searched his home and charged him with possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit — in relation to the slingshot.

The mum of Bandido bikie Glen Hammond leaving Bankstown Court.

The second charge, for the starter pistol, was firearm etc found at premises – subject to prohibition order.

Mr Klees told the court that the starter pistol was originally owned by Hammond’s father and kept by his mother as a memento.

“Mr Hammond said he did not know about it,” Mr Klees said, arguing in court that he could not be found guilty of possessing a firearm he did not know existed.

He then detailed that Hammond’s mother would be admitting to owning it, and noting that a starter pistol does not pose any risk to human life.

“She’s a person of pride and character, she might be asking for no conviction,” Mr Klees said.

His mother has been charged with possession relating to the starter pistol.

Magistrate Stephen Barlow told the court even imitation firearms can be used to commit crimes without killing, including threatening people.

When applying for bail, Mr Klees put forward that his client was willing to check in with police every day, telling the court that his client always complies with orders and follows bail conditions.

Firearms offences require the defendant to prove why they should be released on bail, rather than police proving they should remain in custody.

While Magistrate Barlow considered Hammond’s bail application, he told the court of his extensive criminal history.

“It’s rare that I see a bail report of more than 60 pages,” Magistrate Barlow said.

“There is a long history of serious criminal offending, violence, property offences, and a long history of criminal sentences.”

Those included previous firearms charges, home invasions, and break and entering, the court heard.

As Magistrate Barlow was listing out Hammond’s criminal history, one of his supporters in court stood up and said, “Can I just say something?”

“It sounds worse than what it is.”

A supporter of Hammond wished to address the court, but was unheard.

Magistrate Barlow did not acknowledge her and ruled that Hammond should remain in custody.

Police arrested Hammond as part of investigations through Strike Force Hawk, targeting organised crime throughout NSW.

Since the shocking gang assassination of Mahmoud ‘Brownie’ Ahmad on April 28 — after he was warned by police of a million dollar bounty on his head — NSW Police said they have stepped up their efforts.

State Crime Command Director, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett said the increased operational activity will continue for as long as it is required.

“We have a huge amount of intelligence, which was gathered both in the lead-up to and the days following Mahmoud’s murder but preventing these types of events is an imperfect science – and a challenging one at that,” Det Ch Supt Bennet said.

“Ahmad was cautioned about the imminent threat to his life on multiple occasions but chose to ignore those warnings, with fatal consequences.

Since October 2021, Strike Force Hawk has seized almost 70 firearms, executed 360 search warrants, and brought 800 charges against 250 people.

Hammond is due back in Bankstown Court on June 14.