BN- A FULLY-patched member of the Rebels bikie gang accused of assaulting a bus driver and owning an unlicensed firearm was granted bail,...
Shaun Josef Ryk, 42, appeared in the Darwin Magistrates Court charged with a string of offences stemming from the alleged July assault of a bus driver on the Stuart Highway.
In morning hearings, DPP prosecutor Bradley Dittmar misplaced Ryk’s list of prior interstate convictions.
Mr Cavanagh glanced over at Ryk, who appeared in the dock barefoot, heavily tattooed and wearing a black Rebels T-shirt, and expressed surprise that he did not have any prior convictions.
Mr Cavanagh then gave Mr Dittmar a serve in front of a packed courtroom.
“It’s not up to me or (defence lawyer) Mr Maley to do your job for you,” he said.
Mr Maley and Mr Cavanagh sat in exasperation until Mr Dittmar found the documents, which revealed an extensive criminal history.
Mr Cavanagh then held the matter over until after lunch to allow the DPP more time to prepare.
It was the first time Ryk has faced the courts in the Territory, having moved to Darwin recently.
Senior Constable Brendan Hogan said police will allege that on July 20 Ryk forced a bus driver to pull over on the Stuart Highway at Pinelands.
Police will allege Ryk approached the driver and began verbally abusing him, before pulling open his window and punching him in the face, Snr Const Hogan said.
Ryk was arrested by the Gangs Taskforce on Thursday, with a search of his house uncovering an unregistered sawn-off rifle, ammunition, a hunting knife and bike gang paraphernalia.
“Police will continue to target those who inflict fear and violence upon others. This incident is particularly concerning given the unprovoked nature of the attack,” Snr Const. Hogan said.
In afternoon hearings, held before Magistrate Alan Woodcock, Mr Maley said Ryk had never been in jail before, and this was his first appearance before the court.
“He has a steady full time job, effectively working as a truck driver delivering goods to remote communities,” he said.
Ryk, supported in court by his family, did not respond to questions outside court, and walked across Daly street against a red light in order to evade further questions from the media.
Ryk will next face court on October 2.
More: http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/rebels-bikie-facing-assault-and-weapons-charges-granted-bail-in-darwin-magistrates-court/story-fnk0b1zt-1227513092033
