Bryan Barrass hid guns for Shepparton Outlaw bikie gang

A Shepparton man “of integrity” who hid guns for the Outlaws bikie gang has been sentenced in court.

A man connected to the Shepparton Outlaws bikie gang has been jailed. Photo: Scott Sawyer / The Observer

A Shepparton man “of integrity” who hid six guns for the Outlaws bikie gang has been jailed.

Father of four Bryan Barrass, 55, pleaded guilty to possessing more than two firearms unlawfully, possessing an explosive substance without excuse and possessing a prohibited weapon without an exemption at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Carita Thompson told the court the Echo Taskforce heard guns were in Barrass’ in 2019 when they intercepted calls between the Shepparton patch leader of the Outlaws motorcycle gang and a Barrass family member, not Bryan.

The patch leader told the family member he needed all of the guns back from Barrass who had several nicknames including “old man” and “fat bastard”.

On December 10, 2019, a search warrant was executed at the Barrass family home in Shepparton where several guns were uncovered including three bolt action rifles, a Remington rifle, a TT rifle and Pointer shotgun.

Two of the guns had been stolen, one reported lost and others unregistered.

The weapons were found in the wardrobe of the main bedroom and in the boot of a Ford Falcon in the backyard.

Barrass’ wife, Lyn, was called to give evidence during the hearing telling the court she only had knowledge of “of one gun in the wardrobe”.

Her husband of more than 30 years said he planned to get his licence and have the firearm registered.

She looked at her husband in shock as LSC Thompson provided more detail on all the weapons which were found.

Mrs Barrass told the court a jail sentence would have a huge impact on her family as Bryan also acted as carer for their daughter who suffers from a disability.

Ian Michaelson, Barrass’ defence lawyer, told the court his client had no previous criminal history and had been a “valuable member of the community” through his work at SPC for more than 20 years.

Magistrate John Hardy told Barrass “one would have to have a heart of stone to not feel for you” but said his actions had caused bigger issues for his family.

Magistrate Hardy praised the former shearer for coming back to court a day after a sentence indication hearing saying it took “courage” to do so.

“I’m dealing with a man of some integrity,” he said.

“I’m jailing a man, of until now, of impeccable character which is now gone. You were misguided. (You) held the guns on behalf of someone you will call your son-in-law.

“Some people might think this sentence is too light but it will impact you hugely.”

Barrass was sentenced to three months in prison.