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Comanchero bikie charged over alleged possession of petroleum after vehicle stop

 
Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

A bail application by a Comanchero bikie charged with being in possession of a “dangerous” substance under suspicious circumstances would be “vehemently opposed”, prosecutors say.

Police arrested Nicholas Piccolo, 35, after a vehicle stop in Madeley on Tuesday night.

A further search of an address in Madeley allegedly found he was in possession of “petroleum” for reasons considered to be unlawful.

He was charged with making or being in possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances, but this was amended from explosive to dangerous.

 

Appearing in Joondalup Magistrate’s Court this week, defence lawyer Claire Bass requested an adjournment to next week to allow her to prepare a bail application.

She also requested Mr Piccolo appear in person so she could take instructions from her client during the application.

Magistrate Jennifer Hawkins said it was “a serious charge” and questioned why Mr Piccolo needed to appear in person.

“We are trying to restrict movement as much as possible because of COVID-19,” she said.

Ms Bass said after speaking to the prosecution, she was “not clear what will and won’t be raised during the application”.

The police prosecutor confirmed there were “numerous ongoing investigations” into the Comanchero Motorcycle Club and some information may be required to be put to the court during a bail application.

Ms Hawkins granted the request for Mr Piccolo to appear in person and remanded him in custody until May 13.

The police prosecutor indicated bail would be “vehemently opposed”.