Gladiators gang can't identify shooter

Posted 9 hours 29 minutes ago

Newcastle Local Court has been told no Gladiators bikie gang members have identified a former gang member as a person who tried to kill the club's President.

Gladiators Maitland President, Frank Van der Kroft, was shot at North Rothbury in July this year.

40-year-old Andrew Pickering and 35-year-old Grant Welsh have been charged with attempted murder.

Welsh is charged with 22 offences and late yesterday, during a bail application, Defence Barrister Paul Rosser said some firearm offences could be 'taken with a grain of salt', as several guns were found at Welsh's parents' house.

He also rejected claims the former sergeant-at-arms had links to the Gladiators - a club that expelled him.

The court heard only one man identified Welsh as being involved.

A detective admitted Gladiators members, including Mr Van der Kroft, have not identified anyone.

The court also heard Welsh's assets had raised suspicion.

The 35-year-old owns two Hunter Valley properties and the detective said the Crime Commission is considering freezing his assets.

Welsh was refused bail by Magistrate Ian Cheetham, and the case has been adjourned to December.

NZN