The first man arrested under Queensland government's revamped anti-bikie legislation only broke the law because police made him get out of his car, his lawyer says.
Phillip Bruce Main, of the Gold Coast, is accused of wearing a ring with a Mongols Motif, which is not permitted under the revised laws that prevent people wearing colours or paraphernalia of outlaw motorcycle gangs in public.
Defence lawyer Michael Gatenby said h
is client intended to fight the charge against him when the case returned to Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 1.
Outside court, he said Main was not in a public place until he was pulled over by police.
"It's an offence to wear a ring in a public place, he's not wearing it in a public place until such time he is directed to get out of the vehicle," Mr Gatenby told reporters.
"On one view, it's quite improper that police direct people to get out of the car and then charge them for being in a public place."
Phillip Bruce Main, of the Gold Coast, is accused of wearing a ring with a Mongols Motif, which is not permitted under the revised laws that prevent people wearing colours or paraphernalia of outlaw motorcycle gangs in public.
Defence lawyer Michael Gatenby said h
is client intended to fight the charge against him when the case returned to Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 1.
Outside court, he said Main was not in a public place until he was pulled over by police.
"It's an offence to wear a ring in a public place, he's not wearing it in a public place until such time he is directed to get out of the vehicle," Mr Gatenby told reporters.
"On one view, it's quite improper that police direct people to get out of the car and then charge them for being in a public place."
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