A Rebels bikie enforcer labelled a “menace” who headed up a syndicate that trafficked military-style weapons and orchestrated shootings has argued his sentence is “crushing”.
Lawless sergeant-at-arms Matthew Bruce was labelled a “menace to the community” by the judge who sentenced him to more than 21 years behind bars for his extensive crimes in August 2020.
But now the 38-year-old is appealing his jail time in the Court of Appeal and argues it is manifestly excessive. He said there was a significant difference between the sentence he received for a drive-by shooting compared with his co-offenders.
Bruce admitted to being the mastermind behind a ring that sold ice and cannabis, had weapons, including a high-powered assault rifle, and organised his cronies to carry out his bidding, including drive-by shootings.
He even took his young daughter to the Wombat State Forest to test fire an SKS semiautomatic assault rifle for a “promotional” video.
His lawyer Christopher Wareham told the court on Tuesday that the total sentence was manifestly excessive and “crushing”.
The Court of Appeal president Justice Chris Maxwell said it was the first time he’d seen a judge describe a person as a “menace to the community” in sentencing remarks.
“To traffic in nearly 5kg in ice is outrageously bad conduct and so persistently … the judge is obliged to think about the safety of the community.” Justice Maxwell said.
Crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams argued the sentences were well within the range and that Bruce was the “instigator, organiser and facilitator” of the shooting.
He said the difference in sentences handed out between him and his co-accused was warranted because of their different roles in the crimes.
The sentence was “severe but well deserved” and it was well within the range open to the original judge.
The Court of xjmtzywAppeal will hand down its decision at a later date.
Bruce is eligible for parole after spending 15 years in jail.
