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Bail bar on Bakir's biker brother
From: AAP By Johanna Leggatt
July 25, 2006
THE biker brother of Gold Coast phone entrepreneur Ron Bakir has been refused
bail on an attempted murder charge amid fears he would contact witnesses.
Yassar Bakir, 39, a senior member of the Finks bikie gang, allegedly shot New
Zealand representative rugby league player Pita William Wilson, 30, at Main
Beach, Gold Coast, following a fight between the pair on June 9.
Police allege Mr Bakir shot Mr Wilson up to five times in the stomach and hands,
and has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous conduct with a weapon and
possession of a firearm.
Mr Wilson is recovering from his injuries.
Queensland Supreme Court justice Phil McMurdo today remanded Mr Bakir in custody
and refused his bail application, despite an offer by one of his brothers, Allan
Bakir – who owns a glass company on the Gold Coast – of up to $100,000 in bail
surety.
The accused's high-profile brother Ron Bakir, who helped finance the defence of
convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, was not in the Brisbane court.
"I'm especially concerned by the prospect he would seek to contact witnesses and
interfere with the prosecution of the case against him," Justice McMurdo said.
Prosecutor Tamara Thomson told the court that on June 12 a member of the Finks
gang tried to gain access to Mr Wilson as he recovered in hospital.
She also said that on June 10, another member had gone to Mr Wilson's former
residence with an iron bar, in a bid to threaten the occupants.
"These allegations can't be tested but they can't be ignored," the judge said.
"He's a member of a motorcycle group. That's not a criticism but it's relevant."
Defence barrister for Mr Bakir, Adrian Gundelach, claimed the allegations of
harassment of witnesses were unproven and untested, amounting to little more
than "innuendo".
He also said M16 rifle magazines and a pistol found at Mr Bakir's home during
police raids, related to the time he spent as a security officer.
Mr Gundelach also expressed concern that if his client was not given bail, he
would sit in jail for up to 18 months before the trial was set down.
Mr Bakir is expected to face a committal hearing at the end of the year or early
next year.