Comanchero boss Allan Meehan refused bail after extradition to face charges of breaching crime order
Comanchero boss Allan Meehan has been refused bail in a Sydney court after being extradited back to the city from his Gold Coast hide-out and marched off a plane in handcuffs | WATCH
Police & Courts
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Comanchero bikie boss Allan Meehan was warned by police of a $3 million hit on his life in November and then fled the state the same day detectives placed a strict control order on him.
Police also say Meehan, 35, was allegedly caught bragging on a hidden listening device about not telling police where he was living.
The claims have emerged after Meehan was extradited from the Gold Coast back to Sydney and asked a court to be released on bail in a firey stand-off with a police prosecutor on Friday.
Meehan has been charged with breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order that strictly monitors his movements by allegedly using Facebook and Instagram while hiding out in Queensland.
Police argued in the Downing Centre Local Court on Friday the real reason Meehan fled was because of the strict order, not because of a threat to his life.
“He has put forward a proposition that he left NSW because he is scared of a $3 million hit on his life,” police prosecutor Donora said.
“That information was provided to Mr Meehan in early November. It is curious that Allan Meehan did nothing between then and late November.
“He only moved to Queensland on 21 November, the same day the Supreme Court issued the order he left the state for Queensland.
“The SCPO was the motive for him leaving the state, not the threat on his life.”
Meehan’s legal team said the Comanchero leader emailed police to tell them he was moving to comply with the order but did not list an address.
According to a police listening device referenced in court, Meehan was heard saying: “a lot of people will put their rights in the bin because they don’t wanna upset coppers brother. He goes ‘where are you moving to?’ none of your fucking business I don’t have to tell you”.
It came as police said in the bikie needed to stay in jail because he planned to flee overseas like former “supreme leader” Mark Buddle.
Other states, they said in court, we’re serving similar orders on him.
“He’s running out of places to go, he will follow in footsteps of his predecessor like Mark Buddle and go offshore,” Mr Donora said.
“There is a great motive for him to continue the in the rank of national president and to run the Comanchero … he can’t do that in NSW.
“Being a national president of the most notorious outlaw motor cycle gang in Australia he has access to the means to flee the country and he now has absolutely has the motivation to do so.”
His lawyer April Francis told the court a forensic examination of his phone found no evidence he breached the order and questioned if Instagram and Facebook were “encrypted” platforms.
Meehan is banned from using encrypted apps as part of several onerous conditions of the order.
It also includes a ban on contacting 34 members of Sydney’s underworld and restrictions on how he travels.
Meehan, watching from a video link in a cell at the Surry Hills police station, argued multiple times in court when police questioned his income.
“It is clear he has the means to live in a multimillion dollar home on the water at Benowa,” Mr Donora said
“He paid $80,000 provided by his mother in law, she doesn’t have a lot of money, but enough to provide him with $15,000 security bond and $65,000 upfront for six months rent.
“Allan Meehan, who doesn’t have a job.”
“Yes I do,” Meehan shot back from his cell.
“Two $150,000 cars parked out front, Allan Meehan who doesn’t have a job,” Mr Donora continued.
“Yes I do,” Meehan again yelled from his cell.
Ms Francis said Meehan would offer to surrender $20,000 and his passport to be released on bail.
Magistrate Daniel Covington refused his bail application and remanded him in custody.
It came hours after Meehan was marched off a flight from the Gold Coast in handcuffs and thongs surrounded by Raptor Squad officers.
Armed police manned the first exit from the domestic terminal in dramatic scenes as Meehan was placed in a police wagon.
Earlier in the day his associate Ahmad Elcheikh, also known as Dany Bechwaty, was remanded in custody in Parramartta Local Court on charges of drug possession, proceeds of crime and perverting the course of justice.
He was arrested in connection to Meehan’s warrant after a raid in Greystanes on Thursday.
News tips: anton.rose@news.com.au
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