A man who delivered an antisemitic speech at a protest on Australia Day has been jailed, with a Sydney court hearing the term of imprisonment “must be used to deter others”.
Brandan Koschel was charged with publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race causing fear after speaking during an open mic session at the anti-immigration gathering on January 26 at Moore Park.
A statement of agreed facts in the case identified two sentences directed at the Jewish community, which constituted the offending.
The 40-second speech received “cheers in response” and were “clearly antisemitic and vilified Jewish people”, the court heard.
The 31-year-old pleaded guilty last week and his lawyer on Tuesday argued for him to be spared a custodial sentence.
‘Motivated by hate’
Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund on Wednesday said Koschel voluntarily speaking at a pre-organised event on a public holiday in front of several hundred people, meant he reasonably knew his words “could have resulted in the republication of his hate speech”.
She said the words were “divisive” and were of the form “that incite people to further hate and sometimes … spur violence”.
Koschel spoke for 40 seconds during an open mic session at the rally. (ABC News)
“In this case it is clear Mr Koschel’s offending was motivated by hate and prejudice,” she said.
Magistrate Freund noted how “vulnerable” the Jewish community was in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack and the uptick of antisemitism in Sydney preceding it.
“The Jewish community were the clear and unequivocal target … [and] would further fear harassment, intimidation and violence [from] his words,” she said.
No remorse shown
The magistrate said Koschel’s actions took place on a “day of unity where people come together to reflect on shared values [and his] offending was the antithesis of that”.
“The indication or normalisation of hatred directed at the Jewish people … will not be tolerated and must be used to deter others,” she said.
Magistrate Freund said she felt “satisfied no penalty other than a full-term imprisonment is appropriate in this case”.
She also noted Koschel had not shown any remorse nor apologised and his “lack of insight is relevant to the sentence”.
The comments were made during an anti-immigration rally in Sydney. (ABC News: Simon Amery)
Koschel, who appeared via audio-video link from Shortland Correctional Centre, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment after a 25 per cent discount was actioned for his guilty plea.
The term was backdated for time served since his arrest, and he will be eligible to apply for parole on October 26.
The maximum penalty for the offence is two years’ jail time.