Ian Ronald Crowden, 47, pleaded guilty in Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday to what was described as "an array of criminality" dating back to 2014.

Crowden was the "conductor and the orchestrator" of the bikie gang, recruiting members to do his bidding "like they were your disciples", the court heard.

Crowden also punished gang members, showing no remorse while ordering or personally delivering brutal beatings to keep them in line.

He had such a hold over his gang that two members remained after they were severely assaulted including one who was bashed on two separate occasions, leaving him in hospital.

"It is extraordinary but in an indication of the fear that Crowden pressed upon other members of the group that even after the assault ... they both remained in the group," crown prosecutor David Meredith said.

"He (Crowden) was the leader ... he initiated this group."

Crowden pleaded guilty to a total of 14 charges including extortion, drug trafficking, assault occasioning bodily harm, participating in a criminal organisation and threatening violence.

The most serious offence was an assault seven years ago on a man who is still suffering post traumatic stress and financial loss, Mr Meredith said.

Crowden and some colleagues were hired to assault the man, delivering an attack that had "devastating consequences", the court heard.

"(The victim) ... was a person who did nothing wrong and he suffered brutally at your hands," Justice David Boddice said.

"It is obvious it has had devastating consequences on him which he will have to carry for the rest of his time."

Crowden blamed steroid abuse and a childhood "blighted by poverty, violence and sexual abuse" for his behaviour, defence barrister Jeff Hunter said.

But Justice Boddice said: "I do not accept that the violence was inflicted as part of some steroidal rage.

"Your actions were calculated to engender fears in the victims and in the troops carrying out your instructions.

"You showed no remorse to those on whom you arranged for violence to be inflicted or inflict violence yourself."

Justice Boddice said Crowden's total of 1598 days in custody - more than four years - would be considered time served.

However, Crowden received a serious violent offender declaration ensuring he will have to serve 80 per cent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

"It would be an affront to the community in my view if you were to receive a sentence of less than 10 years for what is appalling criminality," Justice Boddice said.

Australian Associated Press