Damien Richardson: Ex-Neighbours actor to learn fate for Nazi gesture charge
A former Australian TV star will learn his fate after being found guilty of performing a Nazi salute-like gesture.
Damien Richardson, known to viewers for his roles in films such as Neighbors, Blue Heelers and McLeods’ Daughters, was caught on video throwing his right arm into the air during a political event held at a McKinnon restaurant on September 14 last year.
The event was organized by the National Workers’ Alliance, an organization whose mission is to “Preserve Western Culture and Identity” and “Protect Family Rights and Customs.”
During his speech to the crowd, Richardson acknowledged that members of the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network were also in attendance.
The 56-year-old man was found guilty at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court last month after a three-day trial for making a gesture that could be mistaken for a Nazi salute but was not.
Richardson returned to court Thursday morning as prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina and his attorney, Peter Mongale, began making their final sentencing submissions.
The maximum penalty for the offense is 120 penalty units, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Richardson pleaded not guilty, arguing that the act was “theatre” during a paid gig and that the performance was a legal excuse.
In the video, Richardson complained about an article published in The Age newspaper, which he claimed “likened” him to Adolf Hitler because of his views.
“Yes that man, am I allowed to do this?” Richardson said that he performed this move to the cheers and applause of the crowd. “Or will I now be fined or imprisoned for five years?”
Judge Justin Foster said the move was a “sarcastic gesture” and that Richardson was clearly trying to make a point.
“He was clearly trying to show that he wasn’t Adolf Hitler, that he wasn’t a Nazi,” he said.
After retiring from acting in 2021, Richardson unsuccessfully stood as a candidate in both the 2022 Australian federal election and the Victorian state election in the same year.
