A self-described Nazi will become the first person in Australia sentenced to prison for performing an outlawed Nazi salute when a magistrate sets his term next month.
Magistrate Brett Sonnet told Jacob Hersant on Wednesday he will be sentenced to a “relatively modest term of imprisonment” at his next court appearance. “It will not be a severe term of imprisonment, but I have not determined the length,” Sonnet said.
Sonnet initially intended for Hersant to be taken into custody on Wednesday until his sentence was set on October 23.
But after hearing arguments from defence lawyer Tim Smartt, Sonnet allowed the 25-year-old to remain free on bail until a sentencing hearing on November 8.
The maximum potential sentence is 12 months in prison plus a fine of A$24,000 (US$16,177).
Hersant gave the salute and praised Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in front of news media cameras outside the Victoria County Court on October 27, 2023. Hersant had just avoided a prison sentence on a conviction for causing violent disorder.
