Australasian Biker News

Finks associate's lawyer: Don't jail innocent man

Melanie Pilling

27Feb08

THE solicitor for Finks bikie associate Francis Keenan, charged over a major ecstasy bust, yesterday asked a Southport magistrate to grant his client bail and avoid the court making a second mistake of sending him to jail for crimes he did not commit.

Mr Keenan, 35, was released from jail in December after the Queensland Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and life sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent after a man was left in a wheelchair after a shooting at Hope Island.

Solicitor Lyle Parker said Mr Keenan had spent 305 days in jail for the December, 2004, offence, which left Darren James Coffey a paraplegic after he was shot five times.

"(If he is refused bail) he could spend time in custody for a crime he did not commit as he did the last time," said Mr Parker.

Mr Keenan, of Arundel, was back in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday charged with possessing drugs suspected of being ecstasy and speed after police raided a Carrara home on Monday morning.

Police allegedly found almost 5000 ecstasy tablets, a quantity of speed, 65 vials of steroids and $16,000 in cash.

Two syringes containing a clear liquid were also found as well as a number of unused syringes, the court was told.

Mr Parker said Mr Keenan was a guest at the home despite police allegations he lived there with another Finks bikie associate.

He said the drugs and money were found in the main bedroom and other rooms, which Mr Keenan did not occupy as a visitor.

Since his release from custody Mr Keenan had been trying to rebuild his life, re-establish his mechanic business and spend time with family including his one-year-old daughter, he said.

"He instructs me he knew nothing about the drugs," said Mr Parker.

A surety of up to $20,000 was offered to secure his release.

Magistrate Catherine Pirie reserved her decision until today.

Another Finks associate, Kris Spizziri, 23, also faced court on drug possession charges and the possession of a knuckleduster.

It is alleged Mr Spizziri was in possession of methylamphetamine and steroids.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to April 2 for mention.

A 23-year-old woman, believed to be Mr Spizziri's girlfriend, was yesterday granted bail unopposed. Skye Cullen was also accused of possessing drugs and will reappear on April 15 for mention.

A third man, Michael Bruce Krautner, 20, was also granted bail unopposed to reappear on April 9.                                                                                                                                                       

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