Men face court over alleged New Year’s Day assault

Four men with alleged links to the Karratha Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang have appeared in court this morning over charges relating to an alleged serious assault and armed robbery on New Year’s Day.

A 56-year-old man from Baynton and a 26-year-old and two 20-year-old men all from Millars Well each appeared in the Karratha Magistrate’s Court on charges of aggravated home burglary, aggravated armed robbery and grievous bodily harm.

The 26-year-old has also been charged with making a threat to kill.

The charges stem from an alleged incident at a Bulgarra house on the evening of January 1, when police claim the four men assaulted a 28-year-old man, some using weapons, and stole thousands of dollars and other valuables from the property.

The man has been hospitalised with serious facial and body injuries which are expected to require surgery.

In the early hours of yesterday West and East Pilbara Detectives, Karratha police and the Perth Gang Crime Squad searched four properties where they allegedly found machetes, a samurai sword and knuckle dusters among other items.

The four men were later charged and remanded in custody, having been refused bail by police.

In court today Magistrate Michelle Ridley adjourned all of the cases to the Stirling Gardens Magistrate’s Court in Perth next Wednesday, January 11 where the accused will appear via video link.

Pilbara District Police acting Superintendent Neville Dockery said officers were committed to tackling crime in the region.

He said members of the public who have further information or have been victims of crime should contact police.