Finks gang of three a 'mateship' for charity, court told
August 4, 2010 - 3:13PM
A Finks bikie charged with the armed robbery of a $400,000 Lamborghini after an alleged demand for cash has described the bike gang as a "mateship" that raises money for charity.
The quietly spoken, heavily tattooed Richard Michail, of Port Melbourne, testified in the Victorian Supreme Court today in his bid for bail on a charge of armed robbery and other counts.
He and co-accused Matthew Ward allegedly demanded $50,000 from Srecko Lorbek and threatened him with a gun at the Lorbek Luxury Cars dealership at Port Melbourne in May.
When their cash demands were not met, they stole the Lamborghini. It was later recovered in a nearby street.
During the incident, Mr Lorbek was allegedly placed into a headlock and his face was pushed into a car, the court was told.
He was treated for a neck sprain and abrasions to his arm.
The court heard Mr Lorbek and his employee were under threat not to call police.
Mr Lorbek also received threats by someone claiming to act on Michail's behalf, leading to Michail's bail being revoked a day after he was charged.
The court heard Michail was a sergeant-at-arms of the Finks in Melbourne, which had three members including himself.
Senior Constable Ramon Garay said people in that role typically had a criminal background of assault related offences, extortion and firearms.
"I believe it is an enforcement role within the club," he said.
But under oath, Michail claimed he was merely a club spokesman.
"There's nothing illegal about the Finks, it's a mateship," he said.
When it was put to him the Finks were widely known as a national organised crime group, he said: "I disagree totally".
"It's a get-together with the boys, that's it. And friends," he said.
Michail, who is on a disability pension, said he puts at least $20 a week towards the club's $30,000 shed rental and lived rent-free in a house funded by his brother's Queensland business.
He was also paid $1,000 a week as an employee of his brother's business.
When Justice Paul Coghlan described his financial affairs as "mysterious", Michail said he declared his earnings and his job was an honest one.
"There's nothing suss about it," he said.
He agreed to stay away from witnesses if bailed.
But the prosecution opposed bail, saying there was an unacceptable risk Michail would reoffend and there were concerns for his alleged victim's welfare, as he had already been threatened twice.
Defence barrister Robert Richter QC said his client had a history of complying with court orders and he needed to care for his wife, who was unwell.
He also needed treatment for Crohn's disease.
He said Michail's brother would offer a Queensland property as surety.
Michail faces five charges including armed robbery.
Justice Coghlan will deliver his bail ruling on Friday.
AAP
