Newly released footage shows the moment a wild brawl broke out between a bikie and another man at a Perth pub in April last year.
The Magistrates Court of Western Australia released footage on Tuesday night showing the moment Troy Mercanti and David Morris spotted each other in the beer garden of the Como Hotel in Perth before launching into a wild punch-on.
The footage depicts Mr Mercanti, wearing a blue shirt with a check pattern, walking out into the beer garden and spotting Mr Morris, who is sitting with a woman and having a drink.
Mr Mercanti, a Mongols bikie, does a double take, clearly recognising Mr Morris.
The pair briefly exchange glances before Mr Morris leaps from his seat and the fight begins.
The men wrestle and trade punches.
Mr Mercanti was charged with fighting in public, causing fear and damaging property and maintains his innocence.
Mr Morris appeared in court during a one-day trial as a defence witness, claiming that he started the fight as police prosecutors argued that he was defending himself.
The West Australian reported that Mr Morris denied any affiliation with outlaw motorcycle gangs and he “definitely wasn’t trying to defend (himself)”.
The verdict is due to be handed down in Perth Magistrates Court on May 11.
