Bailed bikie Andrew Heil banned from associating with Mongol mates
A bailed bikie charged over a cache of guns linked to the EastLink murder probe has been banned from associating with his Mongol mates while he awaits surgery for his “profound” varicose veins.
Police & Courts
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A bailed bikie charged over a cache of guns linked to the EastLink murder probe has been banned from associating with his Mongol mates while he awaits surgery for his “profound” varicose veins.
Andrew Heil, 30, was released from custody on Wednesday following his arrest last month by bikie-busting Echo Taskforce detectives investigating the murder of fruiterer Paul Virgona.
Mr Heil was charged with a raft of serious weaponry offences after police found six guns in a Port Melbourne storage facility as part of early morning raids on January 24.
Among the weapons was a deadly submachine gun.
Barrister Damian Sheales, for Mr Heil, told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon that parts of the case against his client were not strong.
“The strength of the case is in issue,” Mr Sheales said.
“There’s no doubt he will be deemed in possession of (the weapons), but actual knowledge … has not been established.”
The court heard Mr Heil, who bears the “1%” tattoo common for patched members of outlaw motorcycle gangs on his neck, had been booked in for surgery last week which had to be postponed until next month.
“I know he’s young, but he has profound varicose veins,” Mr Sheales said.
The prosecution did not oppose bail, provided he adheres to strict conditions.
Mr Heil has been barred from associating with members of the Mongols and Raiders motorcycle gangs and must report to police three times a week.
He is also banned from leaving Victoria and must surrender his passport.
Mr Sheales said his client had no prior convictions.
In granting bail, Magistrate Fiona Hayes said she was satisfied Mr Heil’s “involvement in the matters may have been a lesser role”.
Two Mongol bikies were last month charged with the murder of Mr Virgona, as police allege the men fired 11 shots through the driver’s side door as he drove along EastLink freeway last November.
Mr Heil will return to court in April.