Neo-Nazi told off as magistrate denounces brazen racism
Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant, who was convicted of performing a sieg heil outside court, is facing fresh charges after allegedly dressing as a Ku Klux Klan member.
Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant (right) departs from the County Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Friday, December 19, 2025. Jacob Hersant has lost his appeal against conviction for performing a Nazi salute outside court. (AAP Image/James Ross)
A magistrate has admonished a neo-Nazi after he was accused of dressing as a Ku Klux Klan member and inciting racial hatred in public.
Jacob Hersant, 26, began smiling in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday as details of the October 2024 allegations were read aloud.
But magistrate Carolyn Burnside told him to “wipe the smile straight off” his face, saying they were serious allegations of blatant, brazen racism.
“We’re in a very multicultural society,” Ms Burnside said.
“After coming back from Bondi and realising what took place there … I want to make sure Melbourne is a safe place for all.”
It’s alleged Hersant was dressed in a Ku Klux Klan outfit and racially abusing members of the public in Melbourne on October 31, 2024.
His co-accused, Nathan Bull, was allegedly in blackface and had a noose around his neck on the same date.
Bull failed to appear in court on Tuesday and Ms Burnside issued a warrant for his arrest.
Hersant requested an adjournment of his case, telling the court he had recently obtained a Legal Aid lawyer.
He asked for a date in late March because he was expecting to be jailed on Wednesday after losing an appeal against his Nazi salute conviction.
He originally received a one-month jail term over the October 2023 offending but was immediately released on bail to appeal the magistrate’s guilty finding.
A County Court judge in December upheld the magistrate’s decision and Hersant is due to be re-sentenced on Wednesday afternoon.
Ms Burnside allowed Hersant’s request for a longer adjournment, with the case due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 13.
Outside court, Hersant told reporters the magistrate had been emotional during the hearing and that racism was not illegal.
He also claimed he wore the Ku Klux Klan outfit as a Halloween costume.
By: Tara Cosoleto/AAP
