Prosecutors are contesting a magistrate’s restorative justice decision aimed at prompting a former TV personality to engage with the Jewish community after making a Nazi salute.
The court required him to shadow a Jewish leader, write an apology to the community, visit a Holocaust museum, and participate in counseling sessions as part of his sentence.
This incident occurred in September 2024, when Richardson was addressing the National Workers Alliance at Urban St restaurant in Melbourne’s southeast, where he made the offensive gesture.
The ex-Neighbours actor had criticized The Age newspaper for comparing him to Adolf Hitler, subsequently leading to his controversial gesture.
The event was broadcast live on social media, and footage was presented during a three-day court hearing, which resulted in a guilty verdict.
Magistrate Justin Foster concluded that Richardson was aware of the illegality of his actions, evidenced by the actor’s remark, “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.
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