The South Australian Government will launch harsh new laws to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs

The South Australian Government will launch harsh new laws to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs in what Premier Jay Weatherill said was the state's top law-and-order priority.

The laws, designed to skirt a High Court ruling that overturned earlier anti-bikie legislation, follow the killing of 22-year-old Giovanni Focarelli and the wounding of his father, Vincenzo, in Adelaide on Monday night.

Focarelli snr had been associated with the Comancheros bikie club, but after leading the gang for a short period is reported to have been dumped and targeted by other members. Four attempts have been made on his life, and his tattoo parlour has been attacked several times, including a raid in which Giovanni was stabbed.

Father and son had recently been closely involved with the New BoyZ street gang, which threatened revenge for Giovanni Focarelli's death in the Prospect, Adelaide, shooting. A message on the New BoyZ Facebook site warned: "No stone will go left unturned."

Focarelli was shot four times, and was yesterday scheduled to undergo surgery at Royal Adelaide Hospital, including the removal of a bullet lodged in his skull.

Posted in The South Australian Government will launch harsh new laws to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs