A Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) member, Mr Adam Symons, 36, has been charged with murder following the death of Mr Clint Starkey.
Just after midnight on Thursday, April 6, Clint Starkey, aged 42, presented at Gosford Hospital with serious head injuries.
He was later flown to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until he passed away on Monday, June 12.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, assisted by Brisbane Water Local Area Command, established Strike Force Bartondale to investigate the assault and circumstances surrounding Mr Starkey’s death.
Their inquiries revealed he was assaulted at a service station at Peats Ridge, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Bartondale investigators, assisted by the Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor and the Public Order and Riot Squad, commenced a planned police operation on the Coast just after 6:00am on Tuesday, October 31.
During the operation, investigators arrested Mr Symons during a vehicle stop on Woy Woy Road, Kariong.
He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with murder.
Mr Symons, who is a Sergeant-at-Arms of the Rebels OMCG, has been refused bail and appeared at Gosford Local Court on Wednesday, November 1, where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Friday, December 22.
Detectives executed a further three search warrants in the Central Coast area on November 1, where they seized further items relevant to the investigation.
Investigations under Strike Force Bartondale are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Prior to Mr Symons being charged, detectives released CCTV (available via social media) of a group of people who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Detectives hoped that someone might recognise the people depicted by their clothing or mannerisms.
The Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector, Gary Jubelin, said detectives were keen to speak with anyone who may have information relevant to the investigation.
“Strike Force Bartondale investigators have strong intelligence to suggest Mr Starkey’s assault is linked to activities of local outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) activity,” Insp Jubelin said.
“We also believe there may be associates who have had some involvement in the matter, including taking Mr Starkey to hospital.
“I would urge these people to come forward now, as it’s only a matter of time before we come to you.”
Insp Jubelin addressed the media outside Gosford Police Station on October 31 and said: “It appears the assault was a result of a dispute the occurred between members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle gang and associates.
“I am very mindful of the fact that, in matters of this nature, the public are reluctant to come forward.
“I can assure you if any one provides information in relation to this matter it will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
“This was a particularly violent offence.
“A man was bashed to death.
“We know that four people were directly involved in it.
“We know that others were involved in the planning and organisation of it and we also know that people were involved in cleaning up the crime scene and taking the victim to the hospital,” he said.
Source:
Media releases, Oct 31, Nov 1
NSW Police Media