Darren Hitchcock: Alleged bikie accused of assaulting Maldon bar owner

An alleged Bandidos bikie is accused of assaulting a bar owner south of Bendigo before police say three other bikies tried to “sort it out”.

An alleged Bandidos bikie is accused of assaulting a bar owner south of Bendigo before police say three other bikies tried to “sort it out” while he was in custody, a court has heard.

Darren Hitchcock, 45, was arrested at his Baringhup home at 7.15am on January 21 in connection with an alleged violent assault on the proprietor of 48 Main wine bar in Maldon on January 14.

Police allege he had been drinking at a nearby hotel, when he begun to harass two men standing near the entrance of the bar.

The proprietor went to diffuse the situation and was allegedly struck to the face by Mr Hitchcock, injuring his eye.

Mr Hitchcock faced Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Friday for a bail application on charges of recklessly cause injury and assault.

The court heard from leading senior constable David Rose, Maldon’s only police officer, that despite numerous witnesses to the alleged incident, few were willing to give statements to police.

“They’re of the opinion this individual is violent and there may be repercussions,” he said. “They believe him to be a member of the Bandidos.”

Prosecutors told the court Mr Hitchcock used his alleged affiliation with the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang to create an atmosphere of fear within Maldon.

“He relies on it for the purpose of intimidation,” a prosecutor said. “They (witnesses) fear for themselves, their property and their livelihoods.”

The court heard on 6.10pm the same day Mr Hitchcock was arrested, three Bandidos wearing club colours allegedly approached the bar’s proprietor and asked for a conversation.

“They said the applicant (Mr Hitchcock) was not a member of the Bandidos and they would sort it out themselves,” leading senior constable Rose said.

“We never get them in the town, I take it as a form of subtle intimidation.”

Prosecutors argued Mr Hitchcock was a violent alcoholic who could not be trusted to not reoffend or attempt to interfere with witnesses.

His lawyer, Matt McLellan, said there was no evidence of his affiliation or involvement with the club, arguing it was only “speculation”.

“Much has been made of the alleged connection with an outlaw motorcycle group,” he said. “The case is only about an alleged assault at a licenced premises.”

He successfully argued his client should be given bail to live with his parents in Ararat, where he had family support and stable accommodation.

Mr Hitchcock was given bail to live at his mother’s house in Ararat under strict bail conditions by Magistrate Trieu Huynh until his next court appearance on March 10.

He is also prevented from drinking alcohol, entering the Mount Alexander Shire and contacting witnesses.

“These are some of the strictest conditions I can impose,” Mr Huynh said.