Rebels bikie enforcer Matthew Bruce faces ’significant’ jail sentence
A feared bikie sergeant-at-arms who ruled a violent crime ring in Melbourne’s west will not taste freedom any time soon, with even his own lawyer conceding he will spend a “significant amount of time in prison”.
North West
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A Rebels bikie enforcer who ran a violent crime empire with drive-by shootings, threats of violence, extortion and a machine gun hidden in a suitcase will likely face a lengthy stint in jail, a court has heard.
Feared Rebels sergeant-at-arms Matthew Bruce appeared via videolink at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on February 5 charged with a string of minor offences.
Bruce – locked up at the Metropolitan Remand Centre as he awaits sentence for major drug and gun charges – successfully applied to have his matter adjourned until June 4.
Bruce’s lawyer, Steve Parker, argued his client’s matters should be finalised after he is sentenced for his more serious crimes.
However, Mr Parker conceded his client would be locked up for a while yet.
“My client has more significant charges,” Mr Parker said.
“He will receive a significant amount of time in prison.”
Mr Parker said his client should learn his fate after a plea hearing scheduled to be heard at the County Court on April 22.
“Don’t be so sure,” Magistrate Richard Pithouse said.
The magistrate then corrected himself after he realised Bruce had already pleaded guilty.
“Oh, it’s not a trial … he’s not going anywhere,” Magistrate Pithouse said.
Bruce, wearing a prison issue white T-shirt, barely spoke during the short hearing.
Echo Taskforce detectives arrested the Rebels strongman, and several others, in February 2019 after a complex investigation involving phone-taps, tracking devices and surveillance.
Investigators seized several high-powered guns including a semi automatic machine gun from a property connected to Bruce.
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Bruce and his gang were also recorded discussing moving ice and guns and chasing up debts with threats and violence.
Bruce pleaded guilty to 18 charges at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last October.
It was revealed Bruce had occasionally carried a machine gun concealed in a suitcase.
Bruce is due to face a County Court plea hearing on April 22.