Share and Follow
Prosecutors are challenging a magistrate’s decision to impose a restorative justice sentence on a former television actor after he made a Nazi salute, encouraging him to engage with the Jewish community.
The sentence includes a commitment for the actor to follow a Jewish community leader, write an apology to the Jewish people, visit a Holocaust museum, and participate in counseling.
During a National Workers Alliance event at Urban St restaurant in Melbourne’s southeast in September 2024, Richardson made the gesture.
The ex-Neighbours actor expressed frustration about The Age newspaper comparing him to Adolf Hitler, which prompted him to make the salute.
The incident was broadcast live on social media and presented as evidence in a three-day hearing, where he was ultimately found guilty.
Magistrate Justin Foster found Richardson knew that what he was doing was against the law as the actor said “are they going to fine or jail me?” while performing the salute.
“It is important that education is extended to you in this case because I still don’t think you truly get it,” the magistrate said, as he sentenced him in December.
If the conditions of the undertaking were not met, the prosecution could bring the case back to court and Richardson will face a $23,000 fine or 12 months’ jail, Foster said.
Richardson appeared via video link in Melbourne’s County Court today as he launched an appeal of his conviction.
The court was told the Director of Public Prosecutions is also appealing against Richardson’s sentence.
Judicial Registrar Alex Wilson ordered the two appeals be heard together and set down a two-day hearing for July.
Police will call two witnesses, including an officer and an expert on Nazi salutes, a prosecutor told the court.
Richardson has changed legal representation for his upcoming appeal, after being represented by Peter Monagle in the magistrates court.
His new barrister, James Catlin, said his client was appealing his conviction for the Nazi salute and also commented on Richardson’s “very expensive microphone” as he appeared to be in a recording studio.
Richardson will return to the court for his appeal on July 16.
He starred in Neighbours from 2014 to 2020, and also appeared on Blue Heelers, McLeod’s Daughters and Wentworth before he retired from acting in 2021.
He unsuccessfully stood as a political candidate in the 2022 federal and Victorian elections.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.