A member of the Raiders Motorcycle Club has found himself on the wrong side of Queensland's controversial anti-bikie laws after appearing in Cairns Magistrates Court over a seemingly simple fashion choice.
Scott William Jensen, 42, is fighting a charge related to wearing a Mongols supporters club T-shirt in public, marking another chapter in Queensland's ongoing crackdown on outlaw motorcycle clubs.
Legal Showdown Over Club Colours
The court heard that Jensen was spotted wearing the Mongols insignia while visiting the Cairns Watchhouse in August 2023 to check on another club member. This simple act of wearing what authorities deem "prohibited items" has now escalated into a significant legal battle that could test the boundaries of Queensland's anti-association laws.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Harry Sando told the court that Jensen was clearly identifiable as a Raiders MC member through his tattoos and other regalia, making his display of Mongols support a potential violation of strict anti-bikie legislation.
Defence Challenges Police Interpretation
Jensen's defence lawyer, Joseph Fenton, is mounting a vigorous challenge against the charge, arguing that his client wasn't actively recruiting for the Mongols or engaging in any criminal activity.
"The allegation is that by wearing the T-shirt, he was recruiting for the Mongols," Fenton told the court. "There's no evidence of that."
The defence is questioning whether merely wearing clothing constitutes the serious offence of participating in a criminal organisation's activities, setting up a potential precedent-setting case.
Complex Legal Questions Emerge
During proceedings, Magistrate Catherine Benson raised crucial questions about the prosecution's interpretation of the law, noting that the legislation specifically mentions "participating" in a criminal organisation rather than simple association.
"The offence is participating, not recruiting," Magistrate Benson observed, highlighting the legal tightrope both sides must walk in this unusual case.
The matter has been adjourned until October 15, giving both legal teams time to prepare their arguments in what promises to be a closely watched test of Queensland's anti-bikie framework.
