David Pye, the former leader of the Rebels bikie gang in Perth, has been sentenced for hiring a sniper to kill rival boss Nick Martin.

The conviction marks a significant legal conclusion to a high-profile gang rivalry that brought professional assassination tactics to a public sporting venue. The case highlights the violent intersection of organized crime and public safety in Western Australia.

Court documents and reports indicate that the murder took place in 2020 [3] at the Perth Motorplex, a popular drag-racing venue. Pye was found to have organized the hit to eliminate Martin, a rival gang leader, as part of a long-standing feud between the two groups [4, 5].

There are conflicting reports regarding the exact length of Pye's sentence. One source said he received life imprisonment [1], while another report said he received a sentence of 34 years [2].

Investigation into the crime revealed that Pye paid a sniper to carry out the execution. The use of a long-range weapon at a crowded event drew widespread condemnation and led to an intensive police investigation to unmask the shooter. The victim, Nick Martin, was targeted in a precision strike that occurred during the event's activities [6].

Legal proceedings against Pye concluded in 2024 [2]. The prosecution focused on the premeditated nature of the crime and Pye's role as the architect of the assassination. The evidence established that Pye used his position within the Rebels gang to coordinate the logistics of the killing [4, 5].

“David Pye was convicted of organizing the murder of rival gang boss Nick Martin by hiring a sniper.”

The sentencing of David Pye underscores the Australian judicial system's approach to 'contract killing' within outlaw motorcycle gangs. By targeting the organizer rather than just the triggerman, authorities aim to disrupt the command-and-control structure of bikie gangs. The disparity in reported sentencing lengths—ranging from 34 years to life—suggests a complex legal judgment involving specific non-parole periods common in Western Australian law.