Tony Mokbel Released After Sentence Reduction
Notorious gangland figure Tony Mokbel will not return to prison following a significant reduction in his drug trafficking sentence on appeal.
Original Sentence and Appeal Outcome
In 2012, Mokbel received a 30-year prison term with a non-parole period of 22 years after admitting his role in masterminding a sophisticated drug syndicate across three major criminal cases. Of that sentence, 20 years were linked to one specific case.
On Thursday, the court reduced this sentence to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days, which was recognized as time already served prior to the appeal hearing.
Courtroom Scene and Sentencing Details
Mokbel showed respect by bowing to the justices before kissing his girlfriend and departing quietly to his legal team’s chambers across Lonsdale Street.
"He is taken to have served that entire sentence," said Justice Stephen McLeish.
Justice McLeish explained that in resentencing, the court considered the overturning of an earlier conviction in 2023, referred to as Plutonium, Mokbel’s head injury sustained during incarceration, and treated him as a first-time drug offender.
Appellate Court Decisions
- One major drug conviction (Quills) was unanimously quashed by the appeal justices.
- A retrial was ordered for the second case (Orbital).
- The third conviction (Magnum) was upheld.
The decision was delivered by Justices Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye.
Author's Summary
After a successful appeal, Tony Mokbel’s lengthy drug conviction sentence was substantially reduced, leading to his immediate release and recognition of time served.