Benjamin Luke Johnston can now be named as the sniper who killed Rebels bikie kingpin Nick Martin with a single shot in Perth. The identity was revealed on Friday after he successfully overturned suppression orders that had blocked publication of his name. Johnston’s identity had been kept secret since his arrest in early 2021 over fears he could be killed before testifying.
Shot Fired From 300 Metres at Perth Motorplex
The killing happened at Perth Motorplex in December 2020, where Johnston ended Martin’s life with a 300m shot from a sniper rifle. Johnston was sentenced to 20 years in December 2021, and he later became the star witness in the trial of David James Pye, the man he claimed had paid him to kill Martin. Pye was described in court as a former Rebel, former Comanchero and now a Mongol.
Police were concerned Johnston was caught in two sets of crosshairs: Martin’s allies, who may have wanted revenge, and Pye’s supporters, who may have wanted to stop him from giving evidence about the alleged murder conspiracy. That fear shaped the earlier suppression orders, but the legal position changed after Johnston challenged them. Benjamin Luke Johnston was identified in proceedings as BLJ during the Pye trial.
Lawyers Argued the Orders No Longer Served a Purpose
Johnston’s lawyer, Frank Merenda, argued the two remaining suppression orders were obsolete and that his client no longer feared for his safety. “There is no basis for these orders any longer, ” Mr Merenda said. “The trial has been had and evidence has been given. ”
Judge Joe McGrath questioned why the orders should remain in place, noting that anyone with an interest in the matter appeared to know who BLJ was. “It’s reasonable commonly known in prison, his name and his identity, ” he said. “He does not have the view his safety is threatened by publication. ” WA Police did not object to lifting the suppression order.
Opposition Came From Pye’s Legal Team
Paul Holmes, Pye’s lawyer, opposed the change and said the suppression order should stay because the matter was still live. He said his client had not yet been sentenced and that an appeal would be lodged. “Mr Pye and his legal team have a vested interest in maintaining the safety of Mr BLJ (so he) is available to give evidence at a later time, ” Mr Holmes said.
Counsel for Benjamin Luke Johnston was not the only legal voice in the room, with Tony McCarthy, acting for The West Australian, saying the orders no longer served any real purpose. Johnston and Pye watched the proceedings by video link from Casuarina prison, where both are serving their time.
What Happens Next
Bad blood between the men means jail guards are careful to ensure they do not cross paths behind the razor wire. For now, the lifting of the suppression orders closes one long-running chapter, but the legal tension around the case remains. Benjamin Luke Johnston is no longer hidden behind initials, and his name can now be spoken openly as the case continues to cast a long shadow.
