Gyspy Jokers lose High Court bid to keep clubhouse fortified

as posted on TheWest


The Gypsy Jokers have lost a High Court bid to overturn a fortification removal notice on their Maddington clubhouse.

The outlaw motorcycle gang was served a fortification removal notice in May 2004, ordering the Jokers to remove concrete walls, steel gates, surveillance cameras and monitors.

WA Police had sought the notice through the Corruption and Crime Commission, which applied the notice on the grounds that it was satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for believing that the clubhouse was “heavily fortified” and was “habitually used as a place of resort by members of a class of people…..suspected to be involved in organised crime”.

In response to the notice the Jokers’ lawyer said the fortifications were necessary because the area had high rates of burglary and car theft, housed expensive Harley Davidson motorcycles and the fortifications had received necessary approvals.

A challenge in WA courts resulted in Justice Blaxell referring the matter to the WA Supreme Court of Appeal but the original decision against the Jokers was upheld.

The club asked the High Court to review the decision however a six to one majority dismissed the appeal today.

MICHAEL BENNETT

as posted on TheWest