DNA evidence emerges amid gang bashing charges for Rebels bikies Frank Guarneri and Dylan Marshall

DNA evidence found on weapons could incriminate Rebels bikies charged over a savage “revenge” gang bashing in Bendigo, a court has heard.

Police will tender DNA evidence taken from weapons allegedly used in a Bendigo gang bashing in the prosecution of two Rebels bikies, a court has heard.

One-time president of the Rebels bikie OMCG in Bendigo, Frank Guarneri, and fellow patched member Dylan Marshall are charged over the brutal beating of a man in North Bendigo near the gang’s club house.

About 9pm on May 15, 2023, the alleged victim was working on his work car in the driveway of his North Bendigo home when Antonio Guarneri drove past on his motorbike at high speed.

The alleged victim motioned for the gang member to slow down, the court heard.

Police arresting a Rebels bikie in Bendigo. Picture: Victoria Police.

It’s alleged Antonio returned with Frank and Mr Marshall, wearing Rebels clothing, and accused the alleged victim of throwing something at Antonio’s bike before allegedly savagely beating him.

At the time of their arrests those detained were a Rebels OMCG president, a sergeant-at-arms and a patched member, according to bikie cops.

Police allege Frank Guarneri bashed the man with a baseball bat, saying “that’s my son, I’m going to f--king kill you”.

Police allege Mr Marshall, an Eaglehawk man, picked up a steel kettle and smacked the man’s face with it.

Police raiding the Rebels Long Gully clubhouse with an armoured vehicle. Picture: Victoria Police.

The alleged victim suffered bruises and bleeding to his face, permanent scarring, a migraine for three weeks likely because of a concussion, ongoing tooth pain, removal of a tooth and bruises to his body, the court heard.

Police alleged in court that DNA analysis revealed the alleged victim’s DNA alongside Frank’s was found on a baseball bat seized during Echo Taskforce raids on the Rebels Long Gully clubhouse and several gang affiliated properties with an armoured car amid probe into bikie activity in Bendigo.

The court heard Frank had been attempting to negotiate a plea deal that would keep him out of prison, but refused a sentence indication that would see him spend time behind bars for his alleged involvement in the brutal bashing.

Frank Guarneri (far left) has been charged over the brutal assault with his son Antonio (far right). Picture: Facebook

Mr Marshall has maintained that he was not involved, arguing the only evidence placing him at the scene was the alleged victim identifying him to police via Facebook and the prosecution’s case was shaky.

However, police told the court they were awaiting DNA evidence from the kettle used in the brutal attack which may incriminate Mr Marshall.

The court heard the results of the DNA evidence would determine the future of the case.

Mr Marshall’s lawyer said that if the DNA evidence was a strong match, then the bikie might consider pleading to the charges.

The court heard police also intend to force Antonio Guarneri to testify against Frank and Marshall after the bikie scion, who spruiked himself as an “outlaw” on social media, pleaded guilty to affray for his part in the brutal gang bashing.

Antonio was sentenced to a community corrections order while his co-accused continue to contend with their charges.

The case was adjourned to March, 2025.