An assassin, who executed a bikie boss in a calculated hit allegedly commissioned by a rival gang member, is soon to testify in court against the accused mastermind behind the crime. This trial is set to shed light on the shocking events that unfolded at the Perth Motorplex nearly three years ago.

The shooter, whose identity remains confidential due to legal restrictions, was responsible for the sniper-style killing of senior Rebels bikie Nick Martin on December 12, 2020. The dramatic assassination unfolded as Martin attended a race at the Motorplex, marking a dark day in Perth’s history.

Now, this former soldier is poised to provide crucial evidence in the murder trial of 43-year-old David James Pye. Pye, who was affiliated with the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle group at the time, stands accused of orchestrating the deadly plot. According to prosecutor Justin Whalley SC, Pye allegedly offered the assassin a hefty sum of $100,000 to carry out the shooting amidst the crowd in the racetrack’s spectator area.

The shooter, who had spent years working in Iraq prior to this incident, executed the hit with precision. Using a .308 caliber rifle, he fired the fatal shot from a distance of over 300 meters, striking Martin with lethal accuracy. The bullet tragically pierced through Martin’s body, exiting from his lower back, and subsequently injured another man in the arm, causing severe harm.

The shooter, who had been working in Iraq in the years before the incident, used a .308 calibre rifle and shot Martin from more than 300m away.

The bullet travelled through Martin’s body and exited from his lower back before striking another man in his arm, seriously injuring him.

He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in 2021 after pleading guilty to Martin’s murder.

Pye and the shooter became acquainted over social media and met once the ex-soldier returned to Australia after the bikie agreed to help him source illegal drugs.

The pair later discussed and planned Martin’s murder in person and using the encrypted message application Wire, Mr Whalley said.

“The accused explained the history of antagonism and disagreement between himself and Nick Martin, including the belief that Nick Martin had put a contract out on the accused,” he said.

The shooter’s testimony is expected to detail his dealings with Pye and the money he was paid to execute the crime.

Pye’s barrister David Hallowes SC attacked the shooter’s integrity during his opening remarks, saying he was a liar and “dishonesty courses through (his) veins”.

“David Pye never suggested (to the shooter) to kill Nick Martin, he did not offer money to (him) to do this, nor did he pay him any money,” he said.

“Pye did not send any message on the evening when (the shooter) killed Nick Martin.”

Cross-examination will show he is lying about Pye, Mr Hallowes said.