Sniper’s next move after killing bikie boss Nick Martin

The sniper who assassinated Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin in front of children is appealing his sentence for murder.

The 35-year-old former soldier, who cannot be identified, was sentenced in the West Australian Supreme Court last December to 20 years in prison, with an 18-year minimum.

It came after he agreed to assist prosecutors in the matter brought against Rebel turned Comanchero bikie David James Pye, who is accused of orchestrating Mr Martin’s killing.

Justice Stephen Hall said at the time that had the man not agreed to assist prosecutors, he would have been sentenced to life in prison with a 30-year minimum.

On Wednesday, the man’s lawyer David Manera confirmed to NCA NewsWire that his client had lodged an appeal.

“It’s an appeal against the length of the sentence,” Mr Manera said.

He declined to explain what the grounds of appeal were.

Also on Wednesday, the man was fined $6400 after he pleaded guilty to five minor drug and weapon charges.

During the murder sentencing hearing, the court heard the man was offered $150,000 to kill Mr Martin, although he did not get the full amount.

Mr Martin was with his family at Perth Motorplex in Kwinana on December 12, 2020 when he suddenly exclaimed: “I’ve been shot.”

He died a short time later in hospital.

Former Bandidos bikie member Ricky Chapman was also injured.

The killer was arrested about three months later and he eventually pleaded guilty to four charges, including murder.

Mr Pye allegedly wanted Mr Martin dead because Mr Martin had a hit out on him, the court heard.

Following surveillance, which included the use of a drone and internet searches, the killer assessed the layout of Perth Motorplex and even positioned himself just 10m away from the victim.

He further removed a ramp to improve his line of sight, fired 200 rounds at a small target to practice, and changed the wheels and registration for his vehicle.

Having cut a hole in the fence, the man wore camouflage and crawled into his position then watched Mr Martin through his magnifier scope for up to 15 minutes.

A single round was fired from about 335m away, which struck Mr Martin in the chest, exited his lower back and then hit Mr Chapman.

Justice Hall described Mr Martin’s murder as a “contract killing” and a “public execution”.