Ex-bikie charged over NSW shooting

Before Laurie Starling was shot dead outside his Central Coast car restoration shop he was admired for his skills. His family has worked to continue his legacy.

A former Rebels bikie has been charged with the alleged murder of a well-known custom car builder, who police believe was caught in someone else's feud.

Laurie Starling was shot as he sat outside the NSW Central Coast car restoration shop he'd poured his heart and soul into - The Chop Shop - last July.

Homicide detectives believe three men were involved in the shooting, including 29-year-old Timothy Steven Rolfe.

Homicide and gang squad detectives arrested Rolfe in South Windsor early on Thursday.

"We will allege he is a prior member of the Rebels," Homicide Detective Inspector Grant Taylor told AAP.

Rolfe appeared in Penrith Local Court on Thursday charged with murder, firearm supply and an ammunition offence.

He didn't apply for bail and the case was adjourned until June.

Detectives believe two other people were in the car that allegedly ambushed Mr Starling and hope to make more arrests.

Police will allege in court that Mr Starling, 29, was caught in a feud between someone he knew and another man, both organised crime figures.

However Mr Starling, a respected automotive industry figure, wasn't known to police and played no part in the bikie gang fraternity.

It will also be alleged those involved in the shooting were summoned from Sydney to carry out the crime.

Mr Starling left behind his brother, Jamie, father Robert, and friends who have worked tirelessly to keep his legacy alive.

The family set up the Laurie Award, which provides recipients with training and education in car fabrication.


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Source: AAP


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