Mum weeps as biker son laid to rest — Strikeforce Raptor set up to deal with new turf war
Stapleton, John. Weekend Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 28 Mar 2009: 6.
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Abstract
Zervas was the brother of a senior Hells Angel leader, Peter Zervas, and more than 200 people attended the Sydney funeral, including members of the Hells Angels in full regalia, and respectful representatives of rival motorcycle gangs, including the Bandidos.
Five people have now been charged with offences relating to last Sunday’s airport brawl, but none directly with Zervas’s death. The latest was Christian Menzies, 26, charged yesterday with affray and refused bail ahead of an appearance in Sydney’s Central Local Court on Monday.
“They’ve reached a new low when we start seeing the number of people that were traumatised … in a busy airport,” Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said.
Full Text
ANTHONY Zervas died violently at Sydney Airport last Sunday, bludgeoned to death by a man in what appears to be a bikie turf war over drugs and money.
At Zervas’s humble graveside yesterday, however, the rumble of revenge was not heard, and there was no storm of anger. Instead, there was the unmistakeable sound of a mother, wailing for her son.
Zervas, 29, was laid to rest in a coffin laden with roses, in an atmosphere heavy with grief, with no charges laid over his death, and a sense that the battle in which he was involved is far from over.
Zervas was the brother of a senior Hells Angel leader, Peter Zervas, and more than 200 people attended the Sydney funeral, including members of the Hells Angels in full regalia, and respectful representatives of rival motorcycle gangs, including the Bandidos.
Mourners were invited to take handfuls of dirt from a silver champagne bucket to toss on top of the coffin. Others threw white roses.
The grave at Rookwood cemetery was marked with a simple white cross with Zervas’s date of birth, April 24, 1979, and the date of his violent death.
There was a wreath from his mother, of red roses and chrysanthemums, and the words: “From your loving Mum”.
After the brief service, the mourners left by stretch limousine, motorbike and souped-up car, politely following the directions of uniformed police without incident.
Five people have now been charged with offences relating to last Sunday’s airport brawl, but none directly with Zervas’s death. The latest was Christian Menzies, 26, charged yesterday with affray and refused bail ahead of an appearance in Sydney’s Central Local Court on Monday.
Outside court yesterday Menzies’ barrister John Korn said there was no CCTV footage of his client committing any offence.
Four other men arrested last Sunday, apparently after leaving the airport in a taxi, are also charged with affray.
National president of the Comancheros, Mick Hawi, has called for peace talks between the gangs. He has said he is aware of public concerns and has given his members strict orders barring them from wearing gang colours or riding their bikes.
Also yesterday NSW police announced the formation of Strikeforce Raptor, in response to the violent escalation of the feud between rival gangs.
“They’ve reached a new low when we start seeing the number of people that were traumatised … in a busy airport,” Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said.
Gangs Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Mal Lanyon said any violence that endangered community safety would not be tolerated.
Detective Lanyon said police would also go after the associates of outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“This is on-the-ground and in-your-face policing and the NSW Police Force will stop at nothing to target OMCG criminal activity,” he said.
“Officers will target everything from traffic offences and bail compliance, to firearm and security licensing, to drug offences and illegal business practices, to violence and retribution.”
Credit: John Stapleton, Caroline Overington