Troy Mercanti Pleads Not Guilty in Outlaw Insignia Case
High-profile bikie figure Troy Mercanti has entered a not guilty plea to a charge of displaying outlaw insignia, setting the stage for a legal test of whether Las Vegas Raiders merchandise can be considered a de facto symbol of the Mongols motorcycle gang under Western Australian law.
Mercanti appeared in court on Wednesday, confirming his identity before firmly stating his plea to one count of displaying insignia of an identified organisation in a public place. This charge is part of a broader police crackdown on outlaw motorcycle club colours, targeting a perceived loophole where members allegedly wear black-and-white Las Vegas Raiders gear as an unofficial club patch.
Legal Proceedings and Trial Details
Mercanti's lawyer, Paul Holmes, requested that the case be heard alongside that of outlaw Dayne Brajkovich, who faces similar charges and is due to make his first appearance on April 24. Magistrate Lynette Dias scheduled the trial for June 16 at 2.15pm, initially allocating a single day, but Holmes quickly indicated it would require two days.
He emphasised that the case would involve significant legal argument over the connection between a copyrighted brand and a pseudo patch worn by an outlaw motorcycle gang. Police confirmed three witnesses would be called for the prosecution, and Holmes formally requested full disclosure of the case against his client.
Testing WA's Unlawful Consorting and Prohibited Insignia Act
The outcome of this case is expected to test the limits of WA's Unlawful Consorting and Prohibited Insignia Act, particularly Section 22, which bans any image, symbol, or mark indicating membership or association with a proscribed organisation, even if not explicitly listed. Outside court, Mercanti declined to comment on whether he had worn Las Vegas Raiders merchandise since being charged, remarking only, "What a waste of taxpayers money."
Separate Court Case Involving Alleged Fight
Wednesday's court date came just five days after Mercanti went on trial at Perth Magistrates Court over an alleged fight with David Morris at the Como Hotel on April 15, 2025. In a surprising twist, Mercanti's lawyer called Morris to the stand as a defence witness.
CCTV footage played in court showed Mercanti entering the hotel's alfresco area, spotting a bald man at an outdoor table, and the pair engaging in a physical altercation that spilled into a nearby carpark before public intervention. Mercanti was charged with fighting in public causing fear and damaging property, including 25 glass panels and two doors, but maintains his innocence.
During cross-examination, Morris denied being a member of the Rebels bikie gang and claimed he instigated the fight, stating he had known Mercanti for 35 years with disagreements since about 2024. Police prosecutor Trevor Atkins accused Morris of lying, to which he responded, "No, I'm not... it's the whole truth and nothing but the truth." Como Hotel bartender Braden Spooner testified that he saw two men fighting, with Mercanti "attacking the other man." Magistrate Janelle Scutt will deliver her verdict on May 11.
