A prominent Australian neo-Nazi is reportedly being held in a severe 'punishment block' at Sydney's Long Bay prison, following allegations he made violent threats against a federal independent MP.
Alleged Threats and Arrest
Joel Davis, a 30-year-old member of the National Socialist Network (NSN), was arrested on November 20 at the Bennett Street Dairy Cafe in Bondi. Staff at the cafe later described him as a polite regular customer. His arrest came after he allegedly used a carriage service to harass Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, urging members of a Telegram group chat to 'rhetorically rape' her.
Davis had only recently moved from Melbourne to Sydney to live with his partner, Ivona Tomaskovicova, who was nine months pregnant at the time. He subsequently missed the birth of his first child while in custody.
Claims of Harsh Prison Conditions
Controversial far-right activist Blair Cottrell has used social media to claim Davis is being subjected to particularly harsh conditions. In a video update, Cottrell stated this was the first time he had spoken directly to Davis since his incarceration.
Cottrell alleged Davis is confined to a punishment ward cell without a shower or television, and is sometimes denied access to bathing facilities, relying on prison staff to escort him to another block. He further claimed Davis has been classified as a national security threat, resulting in the loss of basic rights, including access to a Bible, a priest, or a chaplain.
Legal Proceedings and Wider Context
During bail proceedings, Davis's Legal Aid lawyer, Liam McKibbin, argued his client would comply with strict conditions, such as staying 100 metres away from Ms Spender's office and limiting electronic device use. McKibbin submitted that Davis was unlikely to receive a full-time custodial sentence if convicted, while acknowledging the prosecution's case was strong.
The case unfolds against a backdrop of heightened agitation within Australian far-right groups. Many figures have reportedly been 'de-banked', with supporters asked to send cash donations via post. Threats have also been directed at journalists reporting on their activities.
Davis was arrested shortly after revealing the identity of an influencer married to another NSN member, Matthew Gruter. Gruter was later detained by immigration authorities and, along with his wife and newborn child, voluntarily left Australia in December after his visa was cancelled.
Blair Cottrell, who provided the update on Davis, is a well-known figure in Australia's extremist movement, having been a founding member of the United Patriots Front and associated with the Lads Society.
