Mongols associate Harley Cranston pleads guilty to bashing ex-Nomads boss Moudi Tajjour in Nerang Bunnings carpark
A Mongols bikie associate who attacked podcasting ex-Nomads boss Moudi Tajjour in a daylight brawl has revealed what led to the fight. SEE THE FIGHT FOOTAGE
Police & Courts
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A bikie associate claims he bashed former Nomads gang boss Moudi Tajjour in a daylight brawl at a Bunnings in retaliation to being “called out” on his victim’s popular podcast.
Southport Magistrates Court was told Harley Cranston – a known Mongols associate – and another unnamed man ganged up on Mr Tajjour in the carpark of the Nerang Bunnings store on the Gold Coast about 12.45pm on December 3 last year.
Footage of the fight went viral on social media in the following days and was again played in court on Friday, where Cranston pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of affray.
The 32-year-old can be heard telling bystanders to “get the f**k back” as he attacks Mr Tajjour, repeatedly punching him in the head and ripping off his shirt before stomping on his ribcage.
It was heard Cranston taunted his victim while beating him, calling him a “dog” and saying words to the effect of, “What about your podcast now?”.
The video captures onlookers telling Cranston to stop and “watch the bikes”, referring to several large motorcycles parked nearby.
Prosecutor Gavin Reece said police searched Cranston’s Park Ridge home two days later and found clothing that identified him as Mr Tajjour’s assailant.
The public attack provoked a hostile response from the former Nomads national president, who claimed he was “coming out of retirement” in an ominous message to the Mongols gang.
He retracted the threat and apologised via social media just hours later.
The court was told Cranston was on parole at the time of the brawl and spent more than seven months in custody after his arrest.
Defence barrister Martin Longhurst, instructed by Fraser Lawyers, told the court the men had gathered for a fundraising rally when the fight broke out.
“This other fellow (Mr Tajjour), on my instructions, had been having a bikie-centric podcast where he’s essentially threatening my client and calling him out and making these insults repeatedly,” Mr Longhurst said.
“Importantly when it comes to these public spectacles, there’s no weapon use … (but) it’s terrible – someone’s getting their Bunnings snag and they see these people rolling around terribly.”
Mr Longhurst asked that Cranston be allowed to continue his rehabilitation in the community.
Cranston also pleaded guilty to several unrelated offences and was sentenced to nine months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years.
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