The Perth bikie who paid a trained sniper to assassinate Rebels boss Nick Martin at a Western Australian Motorplex site has been jailed for life.
David Pye, 43, was named the “architect” of the heinous killing and will have to serve at least 34 years before he’s eligible for parole.
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He showed no emotion as Supreme Court Justice Joseph McGrath sentenced him to life behind bars.
McGrath said the killing was premeditated and well thought out.
“You were the architect,” he told Pye.
“Your motive to kill Mr Martin was your hatred of him.
“You decided the way to settle your disagreement was to kill him.
Pye earned himself the title of “criminal mastermind” when the father-of-two ordered a hit on his bikie rival Martin at Kwinana Motorplex in December 2020.
David James Pye has been sentenced after hiring an assassin to gun down a rival gang member. (Angie Raphael/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
But what Pye didn’t know was police were watching with officers uncovering his plan and charging him with murder as well as the hitman.
Several videos were crucial evidence in the case, revealing “not-so-secret” meetings between Pye and his hired assassin in the lead up to the hit.
Meanwhile, undercover officers were watching their every move.
Bikie boss Nick Martin was shot dead at Perth Motorplex as he sat with his wife and associates. (Angie Raphael/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
Pye met the shooter Ben Johnston on social media. For years, media were unable to reveal the hitman’s identity as it was suppressed for his safety.
But last month, the ex-soldier fought to have the order lifted and won.
Johnston is currently serving a 20-year sentence and was the state’s star witness to help pin Pye.
He was offered $150,000 in cash for the hit job and claimed the Mongols member asked for two additional hits in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars more.
Pye’s defence team tried to convince the judge that Johnston was a liar, but it didn’t work.
Benjamin Luke Johnston. Credit: Supplied
McGrath found him guilty after the trial.
Martin’s daughter and loved one were in court on Wednesday to watch Pye get his massive sentence.
In sentencing, McGrath said Pye had no remorse and continued to deny involvement in the murder despite being convicted.
He and Johnston were equally criminally responsible, but the gunman admitted his crime and co-operated with police, he said.
“You have been convicted of the most heinous type of murder,” he said.
“Your offending was not merely encouragement; you hired Mr Johnston to murder Mr Martin.”
– With AAP.
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