The identity of the sniper who shot dead bikie boss Nick Martin has been revealed for the first time. Benjamin Luke Johnston, a trained sniper serving a 20-year prison sentence for the murder, successfully overturned a suppression order on Friday.
Martin, a prominent figure in the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang, was gunned down in front of a crowd at Perth Motorplex in December 2020 during a drag racing event. Authorities described the killing as a calculated and brazen hit.
Court Details
Johnston had previously been the subject of a court suppression order, which prevented his identification until now. The court heard that he carried out the long-range shooting after being hired by David James Pye, 43, a former associate of Martin. Pye was later found guilty of orchestrating the murder.
Prosecutors said that Pye enlisted Johnston to carry out the killing in exchange for a six-figure payment. Johnston, who has a military background and experience working in conflict zones overseas, pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced in 2021.
Background of the Case
The murder of Nick Martin sent shockwaves through the Western Australian community, highlighting the ongoing violence associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs. The brazen nature of the attack, carried out in a public venue during a family-friendly event, underscored the audacity of those involved.
Johnston's military training and experience in conflict zones made him a capable marksman, and he used these skills to execute the hit from a distance. The suppression order had been in place to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, but its lifting now allows the public to know the full details of the case.
Authorities have praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in bringing both Johnston and Pye to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by organised crime and the lengths to which authorities will go to hold perpetrators accountable.
More details are expected to emerge as the legal process continues, and the community remains vigilant against the influence of outlaw motorcycle gangs.
