David Pye, a 43-year-old Perth bikie, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating the assassination of Rebels motorcycle gang leader Nick Martin at the Perth Motorplex in December 2020. The Supreme Court of Western Australia ordered that Pye must serve at least 34 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Architect of the murder
Justice Joseph McGrath described Pye as the "architect" of the killing, emphasizing that the crime was premeditated and carefully planned. During sentencing, McGrath stated, "Your motive to kill Mr Martin was your hatred of him. You decided the way to settle your disagreement was to kill him." Pye showed no emotion as the sentence was delivered.
How the plot unfolded
Pye, a father of two, was labeled a "criminal mastermind" after he hired a trained sniper, Ben Johnston, to murder his bikie rival. The hit took place at the Kwinana Motorplex, where Martin was shot dead while sitting with his wife and associates. However, police were already monitoring Pye's activities and uncovered the plan, leading to charges against both Pye and Johnston.
Key evidence included videos of "not-so-secret" meetings between Pye and Johnston, which were recorded by undercover officers. Pye had initially contacted Johnston through social media. For years, Johnston's identity was suppressed for his safety, but he recently fought to have the order lifted and succeeded.
The hitman's testimony
Johnston, a former soldier, is currently serving a 20-year sentence for his role in the murder. He became the state's star witness, testifying that Pye offered him $150,000 in cash for the hit and allegedly requested two additional murders for hundreds of thousands of dollars more. Pye's defense team attempted to discredit Johnston as a liar, but Justice McGrath rejected these arguments and found Pye guilty.
No remorse shown
During sentencing, McGrath noted that Pye displayed no remorse and continued to deny involvement in the murder despite being convicted. While McGrath acknowledged that both Pye and Johnston were equally criminally responsible, he credited Johnston for admitting his crime and cooperating with police. "You have been convicted of the most heinous type of murder," McGrath told Pye. "Your offending was not merely encouragement; you hired Mr Johnston to murder Mr Martin."
Martin's daughter and loved ones were present in court to witness Pye's sentencing. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brazen nature of the killing and the involvement of a trained sniper.
