Bikie David Pye guilty of ordering hit on Rebels boss Nick Martin in Perth’s underworld ‘trial of the century’
Sydney Morning Herald
by Rebecca PeppiattFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Perth’s underworld saw a major shakeup as David Pye, a prominent bikie, was convicted of orchestrating the murder of Nick Martin, a rival gang leader. The trial, dubbed the "trial of the century," concluded nearly three months after the Supreme Court proceedings following Martin's shooting death in December 2020. Pye was found guilty despite his denial of involvement and the lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime, which relied heavily on testimony from a former soldier who admitted to carrying out the hit.
The case centered around the soldier’s account of being paid by Pye to kill Martin. The soldier testified that he planned the assassination using surveillance tactics, including a drone, to identify Martin's routines. He claimed to have executed the hit at the Kwinana Motorplex during a public event, where he fatally shot Martin in front of thousands of people. The soldier’s testimony was key to the prosecution, though defense lawyers argued his credibility, pointing out inconsistencies and exaggerations in his stories.
Pye’s lawyers maintained that their client was not involved in the killing, emphasizing the absence of concrete evidence beyond the soldier’s word. They also highlighted discrepancies in the soldier's account, suggesting his testimony was self-serving given his reduced sentence for Martin’s murder. The prosecution argued that Pye had a clear motive, as he and Martin were bitter rivals within the motorcycle gang world.
The trial underscored the violent dynamics of Australia’s criminal underworld and the lengths authorities go to secure convictions in such cases. The extensive security measures taken during the trial, including armed escorts and surveillance, highlighted the high stakes involved. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and complexities faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime.
This verdict not only resolves a significant chapter in Western Australia’s criminal history but also sheds light on the broader issues of gang conflict and the reliability of testimonial evidence in court. The outcome will likely influence how similar cases are approached, emphasizing the need for stronger evidence to secure convictions in high-profile criminal cases.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026