Broadbeach bikie brawl: no jail for ringleader

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Broadbeach bikie brawl: no jail for ringleader

The man who started a notorious public bikie brawl on the Gold Coast has walked free from court after a magistrate handed him a four-month suspended sentence.

Former Bandidos member Jacques Teamo, 45, won't go to jail despite playing a "pivotal" role in the street fight that shook the confidence of Queenslanders, Brisbane magistrate Michael Quinn ruled on Friday.

Jacques Teamo leaves Southport Magistrates Court after a previous appearance.

Jacques Teamo leaves Southport Magistrates Court after a previous appearance.Credit: Michael Best/Nine News

Several others have been fined less than $2500 for their roles in the fracas, at a mass sentencing under way in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Mr Quinn said the melee had a "profound and lasting effect" on the community's confidence and sparked the strict Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment laws.

Teamo had caused the fight by enlisting dozens of associates to track down a rival gang member who was dining in Broadbeach on the night of September 27, 2013, the court heard.

He had led about 20 gang members into the busy Aura restaurant to threaten rival Jason Trouchet, before the fight was taken outside.

But despite the pivotal role, Mr Quinn took into account Teamo's remorse and claims he had disassociated himself from the gang, and that his primary focus was now on his family.

He was sentenced to four months' jail, suspended for 12 months, for the offences of riot and breaching bail.

Most of Teamo's former gang associates - more than a dozen men - received fines ranging between $1200 and $2500 for their roles in the punch-up and the subsequent stand-off with police.

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Many pleaded guilty to public nuisance, which carries a maximum penalty of six months' jail.

Mr Quinn said the men weren't being sentenced under the tough Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment laws, which were only introduced after the fight.

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AAP

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