Neighbours star Damien Richardson is the subject of a police investigation after he was recorded allegedly performing the Nazi salute.
Share this @internewscast.com

An ex-television soap star is asking to be spared a criminal conviction for allegedly performing a Nazi salute.

Former Neighbours and McLeod’s Daughters actor Damien Patrick Richardson, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court in suburban Melbourne supported by his mother today.

He has been charged with performing a Nazi salute on September 14, 2024.

Neighbours star Damien Richardson is the subject of a police investigation after he was recorded allegedly performing the Nazi salute.
Neighbours actor Damien Richardson was charged with performing a Nazi salute on September 14, 2024. (Supplied)

Richardson is alleged to have deliberately executed the salute “while being aware that the symbol is linked to Nazi ideology” in a public setting at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon, as stated in court.

Defence, prosecution and Richardson all appeared online today, but magistrate Luisa Bazzani asked them to come into the court in person.

Richardson’s lawyer Peter Monagle said his client was preparing material to hand to prosecutors asking he be given a diversion.

Diversion would allow Richardson to avoid a criminal record for the act; however, the prosecution must consent to this option and subsequently suggest it to a magistrate.

Monagle said if the diversion was not accepted by the prosecution then the matter would proceed to a three-hour contest mention.

“The issues in dispute are legal,” he told the court.

“There was an action taken by my client, but we believe there are provisions in the act that encompass that, though the prosecution contends they do not.”

He said there was no relevant prior case law, because the only people convicted of the offence “openly said they were Nazis”.

Damien Richardson as Tom Braiden on McLeod's Daughters
Damien Richardson as Tom Braiden on McLeod’s Daughters. (Nine)

The first Victorian convicted of performing the gesture in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term and is appealing this.

Hersant performed the salute in front of news cameras in October 2023, days after it was outlawed.

Monagle asked for time to gather materials in favour of diversion, including character and work references, and said Richardson has four letters from people who were at the event in question.

Bazzani said if diversion is accepted, the matter will go before a magistrate for consideration.

If diversion is not accepted by the prosecution, then it is open for Richardson to enter a plea and seek a sentence indication, she said.

Richardson, who is on summons, will next face court on July 15.

He starred as Gary Canning in Neighbours from 2014 to 2020, and also appeared in Blue Heelers, McLeod’s Daughters and Wentworth.

He retired from acting in 2021 and unsuccessfully stood as a political candidate in the 2022 federal and state elections.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Brittany Higgins has abandoned appeals against her costly defamation battle loss to her former boss, ex-Liberal senator Linda Reynolds.

Stunned by Defamation Defeat: Higgins Drops Appeals Amid Skyrocketing Costs

Brittany Higgins has decided to withdraw her appeals related to the loss…

Why Skipping Travel Insurance Could Cost Australians More Than They Think

The Australian government’s official travel advisory service says taking out travel insurance…
'Doom and gloom': Truth behind Australia's birth rate 'crisis'

Unveiling the Reality: Is Australia’s Birth Rate Crisis Fact or Fiction?

Australia’s declining birth rate recently captured attention when the Bureau of Statistics…

Australian Homeowners Face $42 Billion Financial Burden: What It Means for You

Homeowners in flood zones are paying “a disaster penalty”, with a new…
Rebecca, from New Zealand, was unfazed as she enjoyed a frozen mango treat while her son had a tantrum because he wanted her to share

Outrage Erupts as ‘Selfish’ Mother’s Response to Crying Toddler Draws Sympathy and Criticism

A mother’s decision not to share her ice cream with her tearful…

US Targets Russian Oil Firms with Sanctions as Trump Voices Unease Over Putin Summit

US President Donald Trump has slapped major sanctions on Russia’s two largest…

Louvre Security Lapses Blamed for Daring Jewelry Heist, Says Museum Director

The Louvre’s cameras failed to detect burglars in time to prevent their…
US military kills two people in strike on suspected drug boat in Pacific

US Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel in Pacific, Two Killed

The United States military executed its eighth operation against a suspected drug-trafficking…
Prince Andrew

UK Prime Minister Supports Investigation into Prince Andrew’s Rent-Free Lease at Royal Lodge

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind an inquiry…
Top UN court says Israel must allow UN relief agency to supply Gaza aid

International Court of Justice Mandates Israel to Permit UN Relief Agency Access for Gaza Aid Distribution

The International Court of Justice says Israel must allow the UN aid…
COVID-19 vaccine cancer study mrna

Groundbreaking Study Reveals mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Potentially Extends Lifespan for Cancer Patients

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could help cancer patients live longer by helping the…
The shopper found the Cadbury block of chocolate for sale for NZD$4.50 at a Woolworths in New Zealand

Woolworths’ Pricing Discrepancy Sparks Debate as Iconic Australian Product Found Cheaper in New Zealand

Woolworths customers in Australia have expressed frustration upon learning that a beloved…