POLICE stormed the homes of the notorious Gold Coast
Finks motorcycle gang members yesterday, hunting the bikies involved
in the terrifying Cooly Rocks On brawl with the Nomads that left a
61-year-old bystander in hospital.
Eight Finks were expected to be charged with affray, which carries a
maximum 12-month sentence, while one Nomad has so far been charged
with assault occasioning bodily harm.
Detectives combed through the homes of senior Finks gang members,
including Nick "the Knife" Forbes in a series of raids.
Police seized clothing and other evidence in a bid to link gang
members to the dangerous brawl with the Nomads which erupted outside
Bellakai Restaurant on one of the busiest days of the festival.
Mr Forbes was not charged, but last night seven members and
associates of the Gold Coast Finks were expected to be charged with
affray.
Former NRL footballer and Finks nominee Anthony Watts was charged
last week over the vicious assault.
Another five Finks were arrested mid-morning and taken to their
homes where detectives searched for items worn by members during the
assault.
The five, a 28-year-old Upper Coomera man, a 28-year-old Carrara
man, a 42-year-old Nerang man, a 24-year-old Surfers Paradise man
and a 35-year-old NSW man are all expected to appear at the
Southport Magistrates Court on July 2.
Police were last night still searching for two members over the
assault.
Insiders said the incident could not have come at a worse time for
the club as it prepares to fight Queensland Police moves to have it
declared a criminal organisation.
The Supreme Court hearing is set for October and police are expected
to use the incident as yet more evidence in their fight to have the
Finks outlawed.
Witnesses said about a dozen Finks were involved in the brawl with
the Nomads at the vintage car festival, throwing tables and chairs
while families watched in horror.
The brawl shocked community leaders and prompted calls for action
against bikies and a promise of a police crackdown.
Finks lawyer Bill Potts confirmed a number of members of the club
had been charged but declined to comment on the incident.
"At this stage they are only allegations yet to be tested by the
courts," Mr Potts said.
One member of the Nomads, Jacob Little, has been charged with
assault occasioning bodily harm for allegedly attacking the
61-year-old for taking a photo of the fracas on his mobile phone.
Investigations are continuing.
