Benjamin Luke Johnston: Sniper who murdered Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin unmasked by WA Supreme Court

The former mercenary and army reservist who killed Rebels bikie kingpin Nick Martin with a single shot fired from a sniper rifle can today be named for the first time as Benjamin Luke Johnston.

The sniper, who ended Martin’s life with the 300m shot at Perth Motorplex in December 2020, successfully overturned suppression orders that prevented the publication of his name on Friday.

Johnston was sentenced to 20 years in December 2021 and was last year the star witness in the trial of David James Pye, the man he claimed had paid him to kill Martin.

His identity has been hidden since his arrest in early 2021 over fears he would be killed before he could testify.

Police were worried that Johnston was in two sets of crosshairs — Martin’s allies, who may have been keen to exact revenge for the death of their mate; and Pye’s supporters, who may have wanted to prevent Johnston from spilling details of the murder conspiracy.

He was given the codename BLJ during the Pye trial, at the end of which the accused man — a one-time Rebel, one-time Comanchero who is now a Mongol — was given a life sentence.

Johnston’s lawyer Frank Merenda argued the two remaining suppression orders were obsolete. Johnston did not fear for his safety and wanted to be known by his real name, Mr Merenda said.

“There is no basis for these orders any longer,” he said. “The trial has been had and evidence has been given.”

Judge Joe McGrath questioned why the orders should remain, given anyone with an interest in the matter seemed 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.

Pye’s high-profile lawyer, Paul Holmes, said the suppression order should be maintained because the legal matter was still live.

His client was yet to be sentenced and 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 The West Australian, Tony McCarthy, said the orders no longer served any real purpose.

Johnston and Pye watched the proceedings via video link from Casuarina prison, where they are both serving their time.

Bad blood between the men means jail guards are meticulous about ensuring they never cross paths behind the razor wire.