Biker gang violence: Jail for pole, bat, hammer attack

Three members of the UK chapter of the Rock Machine Motorcycle club have received sentences for a violent assault that occurred in Coleford. The attack targeted the president of the rival Outlaws' Gloucester and Forest of Dean chapter, employing metal poles, a baseball bat, and a hammer. This violent disorder was aimed at asserting dominance over the rival group.

Joshua Bell was sentenced to 17 months in prison for his part in the attack. Mark Gibson and Paul Price received suspended sentences for their involvement. A sixth individual, Luke Cole, who was not a gang member but participated, will be sentenced later.

The victim, a 60-year-old man, sustained severe injuries, including a bleed on the brain, multiple jaw fractures, and a broken nose. His partner also suffered serious injuries, including fractured ribs and a fractured wrist. The attackers stole the victim's 'cut', a leather vest bearing his club insignia and rank, in a move to assert dominance.

This incident is part of a history of sporadic violence between the two clubs, with Outlaw motorcycle clubs often viewing themselves as elite and engaging in territorial disputes. While such intense rivalry is rare in Gloucestershire, the court highlighted the severity of this particular assault.