Australian bikie charged with a vicious attack on lifeguard at a Gold Coast beach

GlobalPost

A member of an Australian bikie gang has been charged with a vicious attack on a lifeguard.

The attack was apparently provoked by the lifesaver's refusal to allow the bikie's girlfriend to walk her dog through a patrolled area on the beach.

The alleged assailant, 35, is a member of the Black Uhlans outlaw motorcycle club, according to the Australian Associated Press.

The Black Uhlans is a secretive club founded by convicted drug boss John Higgs, who has done time for manslaughter.

Higgs also has convictions for theft, stealing cars, assaulting police, resisting arrest, possession of cannabis and firearms, and — according to the Fairfax Media — with illegal possession of a stuffed possum.

He went on to become Australia's biggest amphetamine producer.

The club he founded has recently been involved in turf wars with groups such as the Finks, the Commancheros, the Hells Angels and the Rebels.

According to goldcoast.com.au, the heavily tattooed bikie who attacked the lifeguard lives at Miami Beach on Queensland's Gold Coast.

He's accused of repeatedly punching lifeguard Phil Gregory at a North Burleigh beach on May 21.

The attack left Gregory him with a cut above his left eye and other facial injuries.

Gregory had reportedly asked the woman not to walk her dog through an are for swimmers, marked by red-and-yellow flags.

Police said the bikie then approached Gregory and punched him while he sat in his patrol vehicle.

The man will face Southport Magistrates Court on June 11.

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!