News / Comments / (AUS) Supervision order imposes tough conditions on just-released ex-outlaw Troy Mercanti

Notorious former bikie Troy Mercanti has been slapped with a series of strict conditions as part of his release from prison, including being banned from drinking alcohol and associating with anyone with outlaw motorcycle links.

The 51-year-old, who was released into the community last week after nearly seven years behind bars, faces another three years in jail if he is caught breaching any of the 10 conditions imposed on him by the Prisoners Review Board.

The board’s Post Sentence Supervision Order, which is in place for two years, includes not having any contact with his former partner Tammy Kingdon.

He must notify authorities of his residential address and cannot move without approval, needs to try to find a job, must get counselling and cannot be in possession of a weapon.

The ban on contact with members, nominees or associates of an outlaw motorcycle gang appears intended to thwart any hopes Mercanti had of continuing a bikie career that has included stints as a senior WA member of the Coffin Cheaters and the Finks.

While in prison for the cowardly bashing of the mother of his two sons, Mercanti’s gang, the Finks, were patched over by international gang the Mongols, securing its foothold in WA.

The West Australian understands members of the Mongols are among the colourful identities to have visited Mercanti during his prison stay. As a result, there were concerns Mercanti would affiliate himself with the Mongols if he resumed his bikie activities upon his release.

While it is believed there are only about 15 Mongols in WA, there have been rumours that members from the east coast of Australia would head to Perth to support Mercanti and go on a recruitment drive to bolster its WA presence.

That could have sparked tensions with other bikie gangs operating in WA if they believed the Mongols were trying to muscle in on their turf. The Mongols are notorious for a long-running feud with the Hells Angels in the US, which has resulted in several deadly skirmishes.

The conditions Mercanti faces have been imposed under laws which allow authorities to monitor seriously violent offenders even after they have served their full jail terms. Mercanti was sentenced to six years and 10 months jail for unlawfully doing grievous bodily harm and aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm against Ms Kingdon during their 16-year relationship.

During a trial in March 2013, Ms Kingdon testified about the abuse from a secret location, detailing how Mercanti punched, kicked and “king hit” her, resulting in a fractured cheekbone, knocked-out tooth and fractured ribs.

No application was made during the sentencing for a violence restraining order to prevent Mercanti contacting his former partner.

But District Court Judge Simon Stone, who said the attacks were “without mercy”, made it clear what he expected the authorities to do once Mercanti was released.

“Because of your propensity for violence generally and your criminal history and associations and your violent and vengeful conduct towards Ms Kingdon, I consider that you pose a significant risk to her life, health and safety,” Judge Stone said.

“I do not consider any court order I could impose by way of violence restraining order will adequately safeguard her now or in the future. I strongly urge those who are responsible for her safety and welfare to take all necessary measures to protect her from you.”

There has been speculation that Mercanti would join the Mongols as a way to protect himself from any enemies left from past indiscretions.

He was thrown out of the Coffin Cheaters in 2008 on “bad standing” over allegations he was using the gang’s muscle to line his own pockets, and brutally beaten.

Despite being banned by the Cheaters from joining any other motorcycle outfit, he was then instrumental in establishing the Finks in WA.

In October 2008, a sniper shot at Mercanti and other Finks as they rode their motorcycles near Great Eastern Highway in Wooroloo.

The shooter missed Mercanti and hit another bikie in the shoulder. Two years later, while Mercanti was in jail, the dispute between the Finks and the Coffin Cheaters erupted in a bloody brawl at Kwinana Motorplex.

The clash put three Finks bikies in hospital after one was shot in the thigh, another had three fingers severed and all three had head injuries.

WA Police have been keeping a close eye on Mercanti since he walked free and will be trying to quash any threat of reprisals.

A recent high-profile stoush between WA’s biggest gang the Rebels and rivals the Comancheros prompted a swift police crackdown.

The State Government is also planning to boost police powers this year with NSW-style unlawful-consorting laws that would ban people with convictions for serious offences from associating with each other.

TROY MERCANTI’S TEN COMMANDMENTS
1/No direct or indirect contact with the victim, former wife Tammy Kingdon.

2/Submit to random urine testing for illicit substances and provide a genuine urine sample.

3/No alcohol.

4/Cannot enter licensed premises. Can enter cafes, restaurants, sporting venues and grocery stores that may have a liquor licence, but cannot buy alcohol at any venue.

5/Submit to random breath testing as required by police.

6/Attend programs and counselling.

7/Immediately get a job, enrol in training, or try to get a job and continue to do that for two years.

8/Provide Community Corrections Officer with address. Cannot change address without prior approval.

9/Cannot associate with nominees, associates and members of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

10/Cannot possess a firearm, ammunition or any offensive or prohibited weapon, replica or dangerous article without appropriate licences.

https://thewest.com.au/news/court-justice/supervision-order-imposes-tough-conditions-on-just-released-ex-outlaw-troy-mercanti-ng-b881066642z