A senior bikie convicted of an assault outside a Canberra tattoo parlour has been told in court he cannot take the law into his own hands.
Michael Clark, 32, pleaded guilty to assaulting two men in a dispute over a failed business deal on February 1, 2018 — an incident captured on CCTV.
Police said Clark is a senior member of the Nomads bikie club, although the assaults were unrelated to his bikie links.
The footage showed several people outside the tattoo parlour sucking on lollipops.
Clark could later be heard threatening the group, saying:
"I'm more than happy to bash all of youse."
"Come here and talk to me."
"I just bashed your mate … on the f***ing main street…"
"Look, I've got his blood all over me."
"I'm more than happy to bash all of youse right now if you want — come on."
Clark then demanded $5,000 he said was owed to his family.
Victim wearing moon boot at time of attack
Prosecutor Anthony Williamson told the ACT Magistrates Court the assaults may have been at the low end of seriousness, but should be seen in the context of the threats, particularly since one victim wearing a moon boot to brace their leg.
Clark's lawyer Jack Pappas told the court the matter was a storm in a teacup.
"No-one was hurt. My client allowed the heat of the moment to get the better of him," he said.
"Mr Clark acknowledges his wrongdoing and is ready to accept his medicine. The fact is not everyone resorts to the court of small claims to settle disputes."
But Magistrate Karen Fryar said "it does not entitle you to take the law into your own hands".
"If everyone was to do that we would live in a state of anarchy."
"That's not acceptable."
She also noted there appeared to be some strong arm tactics involved, with the victims scared by Clark's advance on them.
"I can't make a finding there was an element of premeditation, but you should be old enough to know how to control yourself," she said.
Clark was sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour order, fined $1,000 and banned from going anywhere near the tattoo parlour.
