Sentencing Outcomes in NSW and Victoria for Antisemitic and Harassment-Related Cases

Recent court proceedings in New South Wales and Victoria have concluded with judicial outcomes for several individuals involved in separate cases concerning antisemitic behavior and alleged online harassment.

Case 1: Bondi Beach Offenses

Defendant: Zayne Jason William McMillan, 22 (Source 1) / 23 (Source 2)
Location: Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction
Date of Offenses: January 31 (Source 2)
Sentence: 12 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 9 months. He will be eligible for release on November 3 (Source 2).

Incident Details:
According to agreed facts presented in a Sydney court, McMillan engaged in a series of actions on the evening of January 31. On a pedestrian bridge at Bondi Beach, he was seen posing as if holding a long-arm firearm while an associate took photographs. He yelled antisemitic profanities and stated, "I'm a Koori I can do what I like." He then verbally threatened a man and his family, causing two children to cry. Later, at Bondi Junction, McMillan and his associate yelled the same profanities at a father and son described as "visibly Jewish." McMillan was arrested by New South Wales Police on February 4.

Court Proceedings:
McMillan pleaded guilty to three counts of offensive behavior and two counts of intimidation. During sentencing, his defense lawyer, Stephen Alexander, stated that while McMillan's words were antisemitic, he "is not a person who has antisemitic views." Alexander said the incident was not planned and occurred while McMillan was intoxicated by a mix of substances, causing "acute impairment." A psychologist's report cited a "complex post-traumatic background."

Local Court Judge Michael Barko noted that during the incident, "not one other faith, belief or culture was referred to" by McMillan.

The judge said he gave the psychologist's report "little weight" as it was based on a single remote consultation. Judge Barko stated McMillan's actions caused "real fear" among the public and referenced the December 14, 2025, shooting at Bondi as context for the sensitivity of the matter. McMillan received a sentencing discount for his guilty plea.

Response:
Outside court, defense lawyer Stephen Alexander described the sentence as "a pretty fair outcome" and said his client was "pleased with it." Alexander stated McMillan took responsibility and was sorry for his conduct. McMillan's associate has been charged, with a warrant issued for his arrest.

Case 2: Incitement at Australia Day Rally

Defendant: Brandan Koschel, 31 (Sources 3, 4, 5) / 34 (Source 6)
Location: Moore Park, Sydney
Date of Offense: January 26 (Source 5)
Sentence: 12 months imprisonment. With a 25% discount for a guilty plea and time served, he is eligible to apply for parole on October 26 (Source 5) / October 25 (Source 6).

Incident Details:
Koschel was charged with publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race after speaking during an open mic session at an anti-immigration "March for Australia" rally. Agreed facts identified specific sentences directed at the Jewish community as constituting the offense. The 40-second speech, which received cheers from the crowd, was described in court as "clearly antisemitic." Sources report he referred to Jewish people as the "greatest enemy," finished with a call to "heil white Australia" and referenced former National Socialist Network (NSN) leader Thomas Sewell.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing:
Koschel pleaded guilty. During proceedings, police alleged he was a member of the now-disbanded neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network (NSN), citing social media posts showing him with known figures and wearing symbols associated with such groups.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund described the words as "divisive" and capable of inciting further hate.

She noted Koschel voluntarily spoke at a pre-organized public event where he would have known his words could be widely disseminated. The magistrate noted the vulnerability of the Jewish community following a documented increase in antisemitism and the Bondi attack. She stated Koschel showed no remorse or insight into his actions. The maximum penalty for the offense is two years' imprisonment.

Case 3: Orchestration of Antisemitic Attacks

Defendant: Nicholas James Alexander, 32
Sentence: Maximum five-year prison sentence.
Parole Eligibility: July 2028, accounting for time served.

Background and Crimes:
Alexander pleaded guilty in December to six counts of being an accessory before the fact and one count of knowingly directing a criminal group. Prosecutors stated that between late 2024 and 2025, Alexander recruited individuals for an unnamed overseas group with the objective of dividing Jewish and Arab communities in Australia. The crimes, which occurred in January 2025, included defacing properties with antisemitic slogans in Queens Park, spray-painting swastikas on Newtown Synagogue, and firebombing vehicles outside a residence previously owned by a prominent Jewish community figure. Alexander was arrested by Strike Force Pearl in March 2025.

Sentencing Details:
Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson identified Alexander as playing a central role, which included arranging logistics, providing instructions on making Molotov cocktails, and coordinating the attacks. Evidence included Signal messages showing Alexander's awareness that the activity targeted the Sydney Jewish community with arson.

Alexander submitted a letter to the court stating, "I don't have any ill will towards the Jewish community," and claimed his crimes were financially motivated due to drug debt. Magistrate Atkinson accepted his actions were not racially motivated but noted his explanations mirrored instructions he had given co-accused on what to say if caught. She observed Alexander appeared to have financial resources and was motivated by significant sums offered and gaining favor with overseas groups.

The magistrate stated the sentence reflected the fear and distress experienced by Jewish Australians and the broader community, describing the attacks as an assault on Australian society designed to create division.

Case 4: Bail Grant in Harassment Allegations

Defendant: Joel Davis, 31
Status: Granted bail by the NSW Supreme Court after three prior rejections. He had been in custody since his arrest in November.

Allegations:
Davis faces charges related to allegedly harassing multiple female leaders through online posts. He was arrested for allegedly calling for the "rhetorical rape" of independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, who had previously condemned the National Socialist Network. Davis stated his post used a "philosophical term of art," while prosecutors allege it encouraged hate and abuse. The court was also informed of other alleged comments by Davis, including "stupid bitch needs to be beaten" on an article about NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane and "must rape" on an article about eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. Davis has not yet entered pleas to the charges.

Bail Proceedings:
Davis was held in segregation in jail due to suspected political affiliations and had not been outdoors since December 24, with limited showering opportunities. Justice Natalie Adams described these as "unusual conditions in custody."

Davis's barrister, Sebastian De Brennan, argued that legal delays could see Davis remain in such conditions for an extended period. Prosecutor Laura Goodwin acknowledged the hardship but opposed bail, citing concerns he might commit serious offenses or endanger the community, and that his alleged conduct could incite others.

A psychologist's report indicated Davis, while still holding his controversial views, had reflected and was "on the precipice of change." The court was told the National Socialist Network was deregistered in January.

Bail Decision and Conditions:
Justice Adams acknowledged community concern but determined strict bail conditions would mitigate risks. She stated she was satisfied there were "no unacceptable risks."

• Davis is prohibited from posting or commenting publicly on social media.
• He is barred from using internet-capable phones or encrypted devices.
• He must not go within 100 meters of Allegra Spender or Kellie Sloane.

Related Proceeding:
Separately, Thomas Sewell, 33, the former leader of the National Socialist Network, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on allegations of offensive behavior outside the Chinese consulate in October 2024. He plans to present a constitutional argument against the charge.