Eighteen Hells Angels agree to plea deal in exchange for imminent release

Eighteen Hells Angels biker gang members and sympathizers arrested during a massive police sweep in 2009 pleaded guilty to reduced charges today.

They have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder resulting in the Crown staying premeditated murder charges against the accused.

Another five are expected to plead guilty in the coming days.

A spokesman for the Crown's office says the sentences are actually between 10 and 12 years, but most of the accused have little time left to serve on account of the time spent in detention awaiting trial.

Most have been jailed since their arrest during the SharQc operation in April 2009 and sentences doled out today range between one day and nine months.

In total, 156 people were arrested and this week's guilty pleas mean that only 27 cases are pending.