Biker Bemister released from custody

A member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club who is charged with assaulting two off-duty police officers at a Gander nightclub was released from custody on Friday.

Patrick Bemister, 26, is also charged with assaulting a bartender at a different club.

Bemister was released on conditions that he not drink alcohol, go to a bar, or contact the two RCMP members involved in a fight with him in late September. He must also stay away from other members of the Outlaws and their club house in Gander.

An assault on a third officer during the same bar brawl is still under investigation.

Bemister is due back in court on Nov. 19.

Club house woes

The Outlaws opened a new clubhouse at 257 Airport Boulevard two weeks ago.

This week, some moose hunters found a fresh pile of garbage from that address in woods behind Gander International Airport.

Among the trash were empty liquor bottles, building materials, and mail for two businesses that used to operate out of the new Outlaws club house.

Justice Minister Darin King has said officials will come down hard on biker gang activity in the province.

"We've made it very clear as a province that this kind of activity is not tolerated. We don't want to see biker gangs setting up, particularly those leading to organized crime," King said.

"And the mayor [of Gander] has been very clear with us, and I think he's going to communicate that to his public, that the town is not open for business when it comes to organized crime."

Garry Blackwood, a member of the Outlaws, has stated on Facebook that they haven't been given a fair chance to defend themselves.

"We're not organized crime. This is being blown way out of proportion," he stated in an online post.

"At least give us the benefit of the doubt. Give us a chance to prove the cops wrong."