Former actor sentenced for performing Nazi gesture at event

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 02:08 · Archive

Former Australian soap star Damien Richardson has been sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid community work for performing a banned Nazi gesture.

Former Neighbours and City Homicide actor Damien Richardson, 57, has been sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid community work after performing a banned Nazi gesture. Richardson threw his right arm in the air while speaking at an event organised by the National Workers Alliance at a restaurant on 14 September 2024, addressing about 90 people. During his speech, the twice-failed political candidate spoke against cultural topics including the 'war on men', 'transsexual agenda' and 'wokism'. He performed the gesture while complaining about being likened to Adolf Hitler in an article by The Age newspaper, telling the crowd: 'Am I allowed to do that? Am I gonna be fined? Am I gonna go to jail for five years?'

Richardson was initially found guilty of performing a banned gesture that resembled a Nazi salute late last year and placed on a 12-month undertaking to be of good behaviour. He appealed to the County Court, where he was again found guilty following a two-day hearing earlier this year. As part of his original sentence, he was required to complete a restorative justice program created by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, which included therapy, an apology and learning about the Holocaust.

On Thursday, Richardson returned to court with about two dozen supporters and was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order. He ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work and agreed to visit Melbourne Holocaust Museum.

How it is being reported

• Former actor Damien Richardson to perform 100 hours of unpaid community work for Nazi gestureA former Neighbours actor turned political candidate has avoided jail after performing a banned Nazi gesture while speaking at an event.The West Australian · 22 Oct, 01:47
• Former actor Damien Richardson to perform 100 hours of unpaid community work for Nazi gestureA former Neighbours actor turned political candidate has avoided jail after performing a banned Nazi gesture while speaking at an event.Perth Now · 22 Oct, 01:47

In this story: Damien Richardson · Neighbours · City Homicide · National Workers Alliance · The Age · Executive Council of Australian Jewry · Melbourne Holocaust Museum · Melbourne

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