Case in limbo for Bandidos member licensed to carry gun

Milam County, Texas, USA (January 21, 2020) BTN — Milam County went forward with prosecuting Patrick Lewis Vaden, a member of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club in December, but Judge Steve Young ruled the case a mistrial after only two days. More than a month later, defense attorney Kurt Glass still doesn't know when or if his client will need to return to court.

Vaden was pulled over in Nov. 2018 for driving 67 mph in a 60 mph zone. He had a license to carry and had a gun when he was stopped.

The Milam County district attorney claimed Vaden is part of a criminal gang and is prosecuting him for unlawfully carrying a weapon. Glass claimed the valid LTC Vaden held is a defense against that charge.

Related | Bandidos member prosecuted for gun with license to carry

Before the trial, Glass said the prosecution filed a motion that Vaden’s License to carry could not be used as evidence in the trial. Glass said he didn’t bring the fact up to the jury, but protested the decision to County Judge Steve Young. Glass said Young eventually told him to get the opinion of a higher court.

“If I’m not able to bring up that he has a defense to the crime, that’s a violation of the 4th amendment,” Glass said. “He told us that we needed to appeal the question of whether or not Patrick Vaden having a license to carry should be admitted into this case.”

The only problem, Glass can't go to an appeals court until the case has a verdict, and the case does not.


Judge Steve Young declared a mistrial on the second day of the trial. Glass said he doesn't know if Judge Young still expects him to contact the higher court. In a criminal case, he can’t legally do that. 6 News Legal expert Liz Mitchell agreed.

"An appellate court isn't going to hear a case until there is a final judgment in the lower court," Mitchell said. "Guilty or not guilty. There has to be an outcome of this case because it is still pending at this time.

Glass also disagreed with the Judge's decision to rule the case a mistrial. "Once you've selected your six people, they are put down in the juror's box The defendant has the right to hear the case to its conclusion," Glass said.

After a mistrial, it is up to Milam County to set a new trial date or dismiss the case. Glass said they should do the latter. “He granted a mistrial. That triggers certain decisions that need to be made. I think that ended the case,” Glass said.

Mitchell told 6 News that judges typically will not want cases to linger after a mistrial, even though it is possible for them to linger for months.

"If it was a mistrial, the judge wants to move the docket," Mitchell said. "It doesn't look good for judges in re-election if they have cases that have been pending forever. Especially cases that resulted in a mistrial."

SOURCE: KCEN TV

Coffin Cheaters MC member arrested

Innaloo, Australia (January 17, 2020) BTN — Mirrabooka Detectives have charged a man after their investigation into a serious assault incident involving a Coffin Cheaters Motorcycle Club member.

It will be alleged that about 1:30 pm on Sunday 22 December 2019, the victim, a 41-year old man, was walking in the Scarborough Beach front area when he was punched from behind.

As a result of the attack, the victim received serious injuries and was conveyed to Royal Perth Hospital for surgery.

After significant investigative action, on 14 January 2020, Mirrabooka Detectives executed a search warrant at an address in Innaloo.

A 31-year-old man who is a patched member of the Coffin Cheaters Motorcycle Club, has been charged with one count of Grievous Bodily Harm. He is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday 5 February 2020.

SOURCE: Western Australia Police Force

Bandidos MC mourn after boss killed

Sydney, Australia (January 17, 2020) BTN — The execution-style killing of an Australian Bandidos MC boss has sparked outpourings of grief from Bandidos chapters as far afield as Singapore, Denmark and Norway.

Shane De Britt, the NSW Central West chapter president of the Bandidos motorcycle club, was found on his rural property south of Wellington with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Police say there were no witnesses to the killing and they're now investigating links to other motorcycle club activity in the area.

Related | Local Bandidos President shot in head

Bandidos chapters from Denmark, Germany, France, Singapore and Italy have released tributes to Mr De Britt, who also went by the nickname "Wock".

"It is with a heavy hand and heartfelt regrets that I write to express our deepest condolences for the tragic passing of our brother Bandido Wock," a chapter from the French resort town of Antibes wrote on the Bandidos' website.

"Our condolences and warm thoughts go out to his family, brothers and friends," a Bandidos chapter in Denmark said.

A chapter in Darwin wrote: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bandido Wock, president central west chapter, Australia."

"Such a massive loss. A true gentleman, larger than life."

Another to remember Mr De Britt as a "legend" was John Paul Pennie, an Irish ex-bikie deported from West Australia last year after being imprisoned on drugs charges.

SOURCE: Yahoo

Local Bandidos President shot in head

Sydney, Australia (January 16, 2020) BTN — About 10:50 am on Tuesday, police and emergency services responded to reports a man had been shot at a property on Catombal Road, Eurimbla, about 50km south of Wellington.

President of the Bandidos Central West Shane De Britt

Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended and located the body of a 60-year-old man inside the home. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

The man has been formally identified as Bandidos MC Central West Chapter President, Shane De Britt. A crime scene was established at the property and examined by specialist forensic officers.

The activities of the Central West chapter have been investigated by Strike Force Birrewa. 

The State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, assisted by Criminal Groups Squad and Orana Mid-Western Police District detectives, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death under Strike Force Kerrison.

As part of their ongoing inquiries, detectives are canvassing the local area, and speaking with Mr De Britt’s family, friends, and associates.

SOURCE: Central Western Daily