Queensland Bikers found Not Guilty over Pub Meet

TWO bikers arrested while having drinks with friends at a Sunshine Coast pub have been found not guilty of charges brought under Queensland’s anti-bikie laws.

Scott Conley and his half brother Steven Michael Smith were charged with illegally gathering in a public space under the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) law. They were part of a group of men accused of having links to the outlawed Rebels bikie gang who met at the Yandina Hotel.

The court heard Mr Conley had resigned from the Rebels, disassociated from all club activities and severed all ties with members except family. This included handing in his Rebels vest and selling his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Brisbane magistrate Annette Hennessy said she was satisfied Mr Conley had taken adequate steps to disassociate himself from the Rebels after he realised strict legal changes were coming.

“I cannot find beyond reasonable doubt Mr Conley was at the time of the offence a participant of a criminal organisation,” Ms Hennessy said.