Hells Angels Ruled a 'Criminal Organization'

(Barrie, Ontario) There were gasps in the courtroom as the ruling was announced.

From the Toronto Star:

In a case testing Canada's anti-gang laws, a judge has ruled Hells Angels is a criminal organization, a finding that leaves members of the motorcycle gang open to longer prison terms for crimes they commit.

Madam Justice Michele Fuerst found Woodbridge Hells Angels Steven (Tiger) Lindsay, 40, and Ray Bonner, 35, guilty of extortion and of committing that crime "in association" with a criminal organization.

Those convicted under the law face the possibility of an additional 14 years in prison.

Although Quebec Hells Angels individually have been found to be members of criminal organizations, this is the first case in which the Hells Angels of Canada as an entity has been declared a criminal organization.

Under the banner of the Hells Angels, Lindsay and Bonner were convicted of threatening violence against a Barrie businessman in an extortion scheme. In doing so, Justice Fuerst ruled that they "presented themselves not as individuals, but as members of a group with a reputation for violence and intimidation." A sentencing date will be determined on July 15.

The fact that the Hells Angels is a criminal organization shouldn't surprise anyone. It's simple geography. If they're in the vicinity, the crime rate increases. I speak with experience from being with a biker gang myself. I was with the Spring Street Spokers and we would tape duplicate baseball cards to the frames of our Schwinns to make loud, flapping noises when we rode. Neighbors frequently called the police and we were collared for disturbing the peace. My dad once even took my bike away. Like I said, when biker gangs are around, crime increases.