From the West Oz:

I was stupid to agree to bomb plot: witness
David Darragh

A former Australian Nationalist Movement member testified yesterday that he had been stupid when he enthusiastically agreed to firebomb four Chinese restaurants and took part in an “orgy” of racist graffiti in Perth in 2004.

Daniel Tyrone Klavins, 29, told a District Court trial that ANM leader Jack van Tongeren and deputy John Anthony Van Blitterswyk asked him and Matthew Peter Billing to conduct the firebombings the day before Mr van Tongeren released his book, The ANM Story Mr Klavins was giving evidence at the trial of Mr Van Blitterswyk, who is accused of conspiring with four other alleged ANM members to firebomb four Chinese restaurants in Perth between May 1 and August 6, 2004.

Cross-examined by defence lawyer Richard Utting, Mr Klavins agreed that he had co-operated with police and was giving evidence in a deal which saw him get a suspended jail term after he pleaded guilty to charges over the firebombing conspiracy In a recorded telephone call from Hakea Prison, which was played in court, Mr Klavins ’ wife told him police had warned that he was facing further charges and, if he did not help them, faced 13 years in jail.

Both Mr Klavins and his wife, who recently gave birth to their daughter,

then told each other they would cooperate with police.

Mr Klavins said he had a hatred of Asians and black people and had set up his own racist group called the White Devils before he met the two ANM leaders in 2002.

He was appointed ANM “security chief” and Mr van Tongeren had wanted him to recruit people through the White Devils social club which operated from his Rossmoyne home.

Mr van Tongeren and Mr Van Blitterswyk asked him and Mr Billing to firebomb four Chinese restaurants in June 2004, he said.

But Mr van Tongeren later told him that Ian “Monty” Johnson would replace him in the bombings, which were to be delayed until after a “posterup campaign”.

Mr Klavins said he was enthusiastic about the firebombing plans but denied he was disappointed when told that “Monty” would take over his role.

He said he had made a “stupid decision” to take part in an “orgy” of racist graffiti with Mr Billing targeting areas in Winthrop, Bassendean and Leederville.

But he denied he was still a racist and said he had thrust aside his previous racist feelings as a result of his time in jail.

But Mr Klavins said he still admired Mr van Tongeren and described him as “one of the nicest men you will ever meet”. The trial continues.