Neo-Nazi Member Remanded in Custody Over Alleged MP Threats
A member of an active neo-Nazi organisation has been refused bail and will remain in custody after allegedly sending threatening messages to federal MP Allegra Spender. The magistrate cited concerns that Joel Davis could commit a dangerous offence if released.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decision
Joel Davis, a 30-year-old National Socialist Network member from Bondi, appeared before the NSW bail division via video link on Friday. Represented by Legal Aid lawyer Liam McKibbin, Davis sought bail following his arrest by Australian federal police on Thursday.
Magistrate Daniel Covington refused the bail application, stating that due to Davis's ideological leanings, it would be difficult to believe he wouldn't continue to commit a serious offence if released. The magistrate noted that although Davis had no violent history and only one unrelated offence from 2014, the risk was too significant.
The prosecution, led by Kristen Wakefield, argued against bail, revealing that Davis was already on bail for an alleged offence in South Australia. Wakefield emphasised that the victim had expressed concern for her safety and that of her family.
Nature of the Allegations
The charges stem from allegations that Davis used a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The court heard that the messages allegedly encouraged abusive and hateful communications towards Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.
This followed Spender's condemnation of a neo-Nazi rally outside New South Wales parliament earlier this month, where approximately 60 black-clad men displayed antisemitic signage and chanted a Hitler Youth slogan.
Despite defence arguments that the allegations didn't include physical threats of violence, Magistrate Covington later revealed the messages contained threats of sexual violence against the MP.
Wider Police Operation and Further Arrests
The Australian federal police confirmed two additional arrests on Friday as part of the same national security investigation. A 32-year-old Melbourne man was charged with harassing another federal parliamentarian, while a 29-year-old Tamworth man faces multiple charges including harassing an Australian high-office holder and firearms offences.
During a search of the Tamworth property, police seized a rifle and ammunition. The investigation team was specifically established to target groups and individuals causing harm to Australia's social cohesion, particularly those targeting federal parliamentarians.
Davis is scheduled to appear before court again in December, while the other defendants have court dates in January and next Thursday respectively.
