US EditionUNMASKED: Identity of bikie boss killer revealed
The former army reservist can be named after the court said the 20-year prisoner no longer needed anonymity for safety reasons.
- On Friday, the WA Supreme Court lifted a suppression order identifying Benjamin Luke Johnston as the sniper who killed Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin at Perth Motorplex in December 2020. Justice Joseph McGrath granted the application after Johnston no longer feared for his safety.
- Johnston, a former army reservist, assassinated Martin on December 12, 2020, firing a single shot from 365 metres away at the drag racing event after being hired by David James Pye, a rival bikie.
- Serving a 20-year sentence, Johnston testified that Pye paid him $100,000 for the killing. He previously operated under the codename BLJ while cooperating against Pye, who was convicted earlier this year of ordering the murder.
- Johnston sought the order's removal to enroll in a health science degree while incarcerated and to improve mail delivery and prison visits. Justice McGrath noted that inmates already know his identity and he no longer fears for his safety.
- Pye's lawyer, Paul Holmes, opposed the application, arguing the suppression order remained necessary because Pye awaits sentencing on May 13 and plans to appeal his conviction. Holmes contended Johnston might be needed as a witness in a potential retrial.
12 Articles
12 Articles
9News
Sniper who gunned down bikie boss unmasked by court
The hired sniper convicted of murdering a bikie leader at a drag racing event with a long-range shot can be identified after a gag order was lifted.Benjamin Luke Johnston gunned down Nick Martin at Perth Motorplex in December 2020 as the then-Rebels chief sat with his wife and associates in the spectator area.The former soldier's name was previously suppressed by the courts for his safety after he agreed to give evidence against Comancheros biki…
Sydney Morning Herald
Revealed: The sniper who shot Perth bikie boss Nick Martin can finally be named
The identity of the man responsible for shooting the bikie from 365 metres away at Kwinana Motorplex in 2020 can now be revealed after the former soldier asked the courts to lift a suppression order.
Sniper who killed top bikie in public execution revealed after gag on identity lifted
The former soldier who publicly assassinated ex-Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin at Perth Motorplex in 2020 can be publicly identified for the first time, after he successfully overturned a court order suppressing his identity.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
