Alleged Rebels bikie associate William Barker charged with assault at Club Royale strip club

Police claim an innocuous text by a man accused of having links to the Rebels bikie gang about an alleged bashing at a gentlemen’s club ties him to the scene, it can be revealed.

William David Barker applied for bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday. Picture: Patrick Woods

An alleged bikie associate will continue to sit behind bars on remand after being accused of bashing a trio of men at a Sunshine Coast strip club.

An innocuous text from William David Barker to a friend is what police allege ties the accused Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang associate to a brutal bashing at the Club Royale strip club in Kunda Park earlier this year.

“Have started drinking yesterday, I ended up blind, being a tool, whacked like four different c---s … such a d---head sometimes … bro … word … idiot,” Barker allegedly texted according to police claims heard in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 39-year-old Nirimba man, with an extensive history of violence on his criminal record, applied for his release from custody after 102 days behind bars on nine assaulted related charges.

Police prosecutor Mel Pyke alleged Barker attacked three men at the Kunda Park venue about 12.27am on February 15 in two protracted incidents minutes apart in the smoking area.

Allegations told to the court involved slaps and punches to the head along with kicks to the face by the 39-year-old in separate alleged attacks as well as threats of violence.

Sergeant Pyke claimed there was no provocation for the alleged “gratuitous violence” inflicted to the men who “begged to be left alone” by Barker, who was in the company of “two heavy set males”.

She said the alleged victims were taken to Nambour Hospital to be treated for their injuries which included a bruised eye socket, swollen jaw and mouth cuts for one man, another had bruising and abrasions to his face, while the final male had bruising to his head and shoulder.

The alleged assaults occurred at the Club Royale strip club in Kunda Park. Picture: Patrick Woods

Barker allegedly sent messages to a strip club staff member hours after the incident where he apologised and described his behaviour as “shocking”.

He also texted the alleged admission to a friend where he referred to himself as a “tool”, the court was told.

Ms Pyke told the court Barker was identified by photo board by two of the three alleged victims, with one hearing the accused bikie associate being referred to as “Wizza”, a nickname police were aware of.

Police also obtained CCTV footage which they allege tied Barker to the scene.

The court was told Barker was on strict parole conditions at the time along with a suspended jail sentence.

The court was shown CCTV footage from the venue during Barker’s bail application. Picture: Patrick Woods

Sergeant Pyke had concerns there could be witness interference which was common for OMCG cases which involved either intimidation or paying of witnesses.

Defence solicitor Corey Cullen said this issue with witness statements was one problem with the police case against Barker partnered with identification, where it was revealed some of the alleged victims did not positively identify the 39-year-old.

He said this alleged evidence needed to be tested at trial, which was set for September 22.

Even if the allegations were taken at their highest, Mr Cullen said the alleged assaults could be considered to be at the lower end of seriousness.

Instead he offered stricter bail conditions than his parole requirements, partnered with a GPS tracker.

Magistrate Raelene Ellis however believed it was a strong police case and felt he could not comply with bail conditions due to breaching his parole conditions.

Barker’s bail was refused. His matters will return to court on July 28.

Originally published as Alleged Rebels bikie associate William Barker charged with assault at Club Royale strip club