Bikie boss locked up on drugs and fraud charges
Date
October 22, 2015
Michael Inman
A Canberra bikie boss who allowed his southside home to be used as a
drug "warehouse" claims to have severed ties with past associates and
changed his ways, a court has heard.
But lawyers for Peter Zdravkovic, 33, could not confirm their client's
current standing with the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Zdravkovic appeared before an ACT Supreme Court sentencing hearing on
Thursday having pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and being knowingly
concerned in the possession of ice and cocaine with the intention of
selling or supplying the drugs.
The gang's ACT chapter had been using a shed at Zdravkovic's south
Tuggeranong home as a clubhouse in April last year.
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Members would meet at the shed – which had been adorned with Comanchero
flags and motifs, a workshop, gym equipment, and a bathroom - to
socialise.
Police investigating the gang raided the clubhouse to find about 242.9
grams of cocaine (32.1 per cent pure), about 226.2 grams of
methamphetamine (10.5 per cent pure), scales and an ice pipe in a
cupboard.
They estimated the drugs to have a street value of between $96,000 and
$196,000.
The court heard Zdravkovic did not intend to personally sell or supply
the drugs, but was aware drugs had been present in the shed.
The fraud charge relates to a road collision with a kangaroo near Lake
George that caused substantial damage to Zdravkovic's uninsured Mercedes
Benz.
Zdravkovic did not report the accident, insured the vehicle the next
day, and then waited nine days before making a claim for $83,000 in
damages.
The plan was uncovered as police had Zdravkovic's phone tapped at the
time.
On Thursday, defence barrister, Ken Archer, argued his client's
culpability on the drug charge had been low as he did not know the
quantity or type of drugs stored on his property.
Mr Archer also said the insurance scam had been an instantaneous
decision after the accident, rather than a premeditated fraud.
The lawyer said Zdravkovic posed a low risk of reoffending.
The court heard the offender had told a presentence report author that
he had changed his lifestyle and severed associations related to the
drug crime.
But Acting Justice David Robinson was sceptical of the claim, saying he
would need to see further supporting evidence.
No further evidence was put before the court.
Prosecutor Anthony Williamson argued Zdravkovic's culpability had been
significant as it had been his home and he was the president at the
time.
"He's the president, he's the boss," Mr Williamson said.
"He has some power, he could've put a stop to this."
Mr Williamson questioned claims Zdravkovic had reduced his role within
the gang.
The Crown also disputed that the insurance job had been spontaneous,
saying it took days of planning.
Justice Robinson – in remanding the defendant in custody - indicated
Zdravkovic could expect a sentence of more than two months jail.
"He was facilitating the warehousing of drugs," he said.
The judge is expected to hand down his decision in December.