Nick ‘the knife’ Forbes issued consorting warning, plans on fighting it, lawyer says
Alleged Mongols figure Nick ‘the Knife’ Forbes has been issued a consorting warning notice banning him from contacting dozens of associates. Here’s why.
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ALLEGED Mongols figure Nick ‘the Knife’ Forbes has been issued a consorting warning notice banning him from contacting dozens of associates – including some who have been charged with the murder of his old mate Shane Bowden.
But Forbes, who this week finished up his parole period for drug offences, is said to have been “very aggrieved” by the police action and has flagged a judicial review of the warning.
Forbes was issued the notice in recent weeks. It lists 68 recognised offenders.
The Bulletin has been told that associates on that list include men charged with the murder of Bowden, who was gunned down outside of a Pimpama unit 21 times in October 2020.
However, he will still be able to contact his son, Haydn, who has been charged over the alleged gang slaying.
Nick Forbes has not been charged over the death of Bowden and it is not suggested he is involved.
The list also features Nelson Patea, brother of multiple murderer Lionel Patea.
Forbes was in 2019 named the alleged national president of the Mongols.
It’s understood he took a step back while on parole. It’s not known what impact the completion of his parole could have on any possible return to the club.
Police would not comment on Forbes’ future, or the consorting notices, citing “privacy”.
Forbes’ lawyer, Michael Gatenby, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said his client was considering the extraordinary step of judicially reviewing the warning and has sought a “statement of reasons” from police for their action.
“(Police have done this now) presumably because he’s come off parole, and while on parole he was prohibited from having contact (with particular associates),” Mr Gatenby told the Bulletin.
“Mr Forbes feels very aggrieved that he’s unable to have any contact with any of his friends and believes police are being vindictive in an ad hoc application of the law.
“The legislation is particularly draconian and it seems that certain elements within Taskforce Maxima are applying the legislation less than judicially and there needs to be some accountability by police for prohibiting people from having contact with lifelong friends.”
The warning notices are issued to inform an alleged bikie, gang member or associate that if they continue to contact or meet with the listed “recognised offender” they may be committing a crime by habitually consorting.
Forbes rose to notoriety as part of the Finks “Terror Team” before members, including Bowden, patched over to the Mongols.
He was at the centre of the wild Ballroom Blitz brawl between the Finks and the Hells Angels during a kickboxing tournament at the Royal Pines Resort in March 2006.
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