Andrew Pickering faced court yesterday for the alleged attempted murder of Maitland Gladiators president Frank Van Der Kroft.
THE former leader of an outlaw motorcycle gang’s Gunnedah chapter has been arrested and yesterday faced court in relation to the shooting of a bikie boss earlier this year.
Andrew Pickering, 40, was once president of the local Gladiators’ chapter and was one of two men arrested early yesterday morning for the alleged attempted murder of a high-ranking gang member in July.
Their arrests were the results of a specialist Hunter police task force’s investigations into the shooting of Maitland Gladiators’ chapter president Frank Van Der Kroft.
He had been shot four times on a ride along Wine Country Dr at North Rothbury on July 22.
It is understood Van Der Kroft had beenreturning home from Gunnedah when the incident occurred.
He survived the shooting, after suffering four bullet wounds in his chest and stomach.
At 6.30am yesterday, at Ashtonfield near Maitland, Pickering and 35-year-old Grant Welsh – also believed to be a former Gladiators member – were arrested in dawn raids.
Both men were charged with shoot with intent to murder.
Pickering, who now lives in Maitland, appeared at Raymond Terrace Local Court for mention.
He was refused bail and his case was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court on December 19.
Welsh appeared at Cessnock Local Court.
He was also refused bail and is listed to reappear next Wednesday.