Former Neighbours Actor Damien Richardson Found Guilty of Making Gesture Resembling Nazi Salute

A two-day contested hearing in Melbourne has concluded with former Neighbours actor Damien Richardson being found guilty of making a gesture that resembled a Nazi salute.

Richardson, 56, was charged after making the gesture while delivering a speech at a restaurant in Melbourne’s south-east in September 2024. Video evidence of the incident was presented to the Moorabbin Magistrates Court this week.

Richardson’s lawyer, Peter Monagle, argued the gesture was purely for genuine “artistic or theatrical purposes” and attempted to claim the venue was not a public place since it was closed for a private function.

However, Magistrate Justin Foster firmly rejected both defenses:

Theatrical Purpose: Foster found the gesture was not performed for artistic, theatrical, or academic reasons.

Public Place Ruling: The magistrate ruled that even if the venue was closed for a private function, it remained a licensed premises, which legally constitutes a public place.

The conviction means Richardson was found guilty of performing a gesture that “resembles a Nazi salute” in a public place, a serious offense under hate speech laws.

While sentencing details were not immediately available, the conviction sends a clear message about the legal boundaries concerning the display of hate symbols in public spaces in Melbourne. Richardson was previously known for his role on the popular long-running television soap, Neighbours.