Mark Andrew Sandery found guilty of sickening attack on woman but acquitted of hammer attack

A former bikie was found guilty of a sickening attack on a woman but acquitted of a hammer attack on a man “who couldn’t lie straight on a massage table”.

A former bikie was found guilty of a sickening stomping attack on a woman but acquitted of an attack on a man “who couldn’t lie straight on a massage table”.

After a trial in the District Court a jury found Mark Andrew Sandery, 53, not guilty of serious criminal trespass and recklessly causing harm but guilty of causing harm with intent.

Matthew De Lorme, for the prosecution, told the District Court in his opening statement that Michael Kriticos, took his dog for a walk at Exeter on November 8, 2022.

He walked past a group of female youths, with one allegedly yelling abuse at him before Mr Kriticos and some of the group members threw punches. No-one was charged in this incident.

Mark Sandery.

Shortly after Mr Kriticos returned home he heard yelling coming from the street and saw about 15 people out the front of his unit.

The court heard he then saw two males, one of which was alleged to be Sandery, bashing the front door with a hammer.

Mark Sandery was acquitted of attempted serious criminal trespass and recklessly causing harm. Photo: File

The court heard as Mr Kriticos leaned forward Sandery allegedly struck the door again with the hammer – striking him in the eye and causing him to lose consciousness.

Police arrived after being called several times by Mr Kriticos’ neighbour, Jodie Wakeling.

The court heard Ms Wakeling became involved in a scuffle with one of Sandery’s family members and Sandery made a beeline toward her.

“The accused, as he reached Jodie Wakeling, threw her to the ground and stomped on her head numerous times,” Mr De Lorme said.

In his closing address, Nick Healy, for Sandery, said Mr Kriticos was “a grub” and you couldn’t believe a word he said.

“He is a man who is prepared to threaten and assault children,” he said.

“Game, set and match he is a liar. He couldn’t lie straight on a massage table.”

Mr Healy said it was “absolutely ridiculous” that Mr Kriticos would have put his face up against the screen door if he saw Sandery smashing it with a hammer.

“Now you might think … that if someone the size of Mr Sandery had a full swing of a hammer and hit you in the face, it would be highly unlikely you’d probably ever be able to talk again,” he said.

Mr Healy said why it was accepted the footage of Sandery stomping on Ms Wakeling’s head was “shocking” he was coming to the defence of a family member.

“You might think Mr Sandery, looking at the footage, is a fairly rough diamond. I wouldn’t disabuse you of that,” he said.

“You recall his interview at that stage where he says he actually didn’t realise it was a woman when he first tackled her.”

Sandery has long been known as one of the most feared bikie associates in South Australia.
He was once the Mongols sergeant-at-arms before defecting to rival outlaw motorcycle gang the Finks.

After the return of the guilty verdict, Mr Healy asked for Sandery to remain on bail so he could spend Christmas with his family.

However, Judge Michelle Sutcliffe revoked Sandery’s bail, due to his lengthy criminal history, and adjourned sentencing submissions until next month.

Originally published as Mark Andrew Sandery found guilty of sickening attack on woman but acquitted of hammer attack