Sione Hokafonu charged over riding with Finks bosses along Southbank Promenade
Sione Hokafonu told a judge he had left the bikie world behind to throw himself into life as a hard working husband and father of five. Police will argue differently.
Police & Courts
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An alleged Finks bikie who told a court he had quit the outlaw motorcycle world has been charged with riding along Southbank in formation with other gang members.
Alleged long-time Fink Sione Hokafonu is among at least eight patched members alleged to have ridden along the pedestrian walkway of Southbank Promenade in their colours on August 9 this year.
The father of five has been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and driving on a path.
Hokafonu’s lawyer Daniel Georgiou has previously told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that his client had left the OMCG life behind.
“His priorities are now being a husband to his wife, a father to his children and throwing himself into work. He has a new lease on life,” Mr Georgiou said.
But police will allege Hokafonu, 30, was one of the Finks, including senior office-bearers, who rode for 350 metres between pedestrians, street vendors and buskers on the riverside promenade.
The Echo Taskforce responded by carrying out 11 warrants, including on Finks clubhouses at Cranbourne West and Brunswick East.
Seven Harley Davidson motorcycles had been seized, along with Finks club colours.
Those charged are expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 21.
Detective acting Insp. Ash Ryan of Echo slammed the bikies for allegedly putting community members at risk in the ride’s aftermath.
“It is seriously reckless conduct and a significant concern for Victoria Police and the Echo Taskforce. We have made it a priority to follow up every avenue of inquiry available to us and hold those responsible to account,” Insp. Ryan said.
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