How one text message launched Broadbeach bikie brawl

UPDATE: A waitress has told how she grabbed cutlery and crockery to stop them being used as weapons in the infamous Broadbeach bikie brawl.

A WAITRESS has told how she grabbed cutlery and crockery to stop them being used as weapons in the infamous Broadbeach bikie brawl.

Aura Tapas and Lounge Bar employee Sarah Page told Southport Magistrates Court she picked up knives and forks seconds before the brawl erupted at the restaurant in September 2013 because she felt ‘something was about to happen’.

She told of hearing a crash and seeing customers fleeing and police tasering one bikie.

Ms Page was giving evidence in the trial of Bandido bikie Peter Mauric, who has pleaded not guilty to rioting over the brawl.

Mauric, 45, was one of 10 Bandidos due to face trial this week over the brawl but the other nine, including accused ringleader Jacques Teamo, pleaded guilty on Monday.

Teamo is accused of leading a ‘lynch mob’ of bikies into the restaurant to confront gang rival Jason ‘JT’ Trouchet.

Former Aura venue photographer Martin Brookes also gave evidence, telling how he switched his camera onto video mode to secretly film the brawl.

Mr Brookes said he heard the ‘very, very loud’ rumble of motorbikes and then saw a large group of ‘very intimidating’ bikies walk past.

He said several ‘serious’ bikies walked in and one with a shaved head and tattooed face whistled and told his fellow gang members outside:“Oi, everyone inside.”

Mr Brookes said a fight erupted outside, with Trouchet throwing the first punch.

More punches were thrown and tables were knocked over in what was ‘basically a ruckus’, Mr Brookes told the court.

Excerpts of his video played to the court showed the wild melee.

Cross-examined by defence barrister Geoffrey Foster, he rejected suggestions he found the incident enjoyable and exciting and was not intimidated ‘whatsoever’.

The trial continues.

OVERNIGHT: It was the alleged text message call to arms for a night of bikie terror that sent tables and chairs flying and crying patrons fleeing from a crowded Gold Coast restaurant.

The SMS that allegedly sparked the infamous Broadbeach bikie brawl – and the state’s controversial anti-bikie laws – was read yesterday to a Coast courtroom.

“Hello brothers,’’ it allegedly began.

“This Friday night, every member and probate (probationary) must be at the clubhouse by 7.30pm. Anyone who’s late will be black-eyed and prospected (demoted). NO EXCEPTIONS.

“Those who are legal to ride must be on bikes. All members must be in club gear.’’

What was to have been a mass bikie trial became a mass sentencing after nine of 10 current and former Bandidos charged over the September 2013 brawl pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court to charges including rioting, affray and public nuisance.

They include accused brawl ringleader Jacques Teamo, who pleaded guilty to rioting.

Teamo led a “lynch mob” of Bandidos bikies into the Aura Tapas and Lounge Bar at Broadbeach to confront Finks bikie gang rival Jason Trouchet, police have previously alleged. A love triangle – Teamo was dating prize-fighter Trouchet’s ex-girlfriend – was alleged to have sparked the showdown.

Jacques Teamo arrives at Southport Court. Pic Adam Head

Only one ex-gang member, Gold Coast tow-truck driver Peter Mauric, pleaded not guilty to rioting and his trial began yesterday amid a heavy police presence.

Crown prosecutor Jeff Hunter QC told the court that the prosecution could not say precisely what the problem was between Teamo and Trouchet.

But he said that after the text message went out, the Bandidos went to Broadbeach “in a show of force”.

“They were effectively patrolling the streets of Broadbeach looking for him (Trouchet) and they found him,’’ he said.

Mr Hunter said 21 Bandidos, most dressed in club colours and including Mauric, entered Aura about 8.30pm on September 27, 2013, after Teamo looked inside and saw Trouchet dining with associate Matthew Sward.

He said the restaurant fell into “immediate silence”. When an “angry confrontation” erupted between Teamo and Trouchet, some patrons fled through the emergency exit.

Trouchet allegedly said: “Really? Not in the restaurant – let’s take it outside.” Mr Hunter said that after walking outside, where another group of 20 or 30 Bandidos were waiting, Trouchet “almost immediately punched Teamo” and a wild brawl erupted.

The prosecutor said gang members hurled threats and obscenities at police, with Mauric taunting them: “A bit low on numbers boys?”

One Bandido challenged an officer to “taser me, you pussy” while another officer was called a “c--ksucker” and a “faggot”.

“Distressed” restaurant patrons including women and children were crying in fear, Mr Hunter said.

Aura manager Chantelle Pollock told the court “three or four tables” of customers fled through the fire escape and tables were knocked over during the melee.

Outside court, Teamo’s lawyer Chris Hannay said his client had decided to plead guilty “because he wants to move on with his life”.

Mr Hannay said Teamo had been under virtual “house arrest” for two years, undergone a “total change of character” and left the Bandidos.

“We went through all the evidence and the risk was too great to run a trial,’’ he said.

Rioting carries a maximum penalty of three years’ jail.

Teamo and the other eight current and ex-Bandidos were remanded for sentencing on May 18. Mauric’s trial continues.

Originally published as How one text message launched Broadbeach bikie brawl