Salim Mehajer tastes freedom: Excuse me! I’m off to see the dentist

Disgraced politician, failed groom and now former jailbird Salim Mehajer swapped his prison greens for a navy suit, with prison sources revealing he boasted: “I’ve got my outfit ready – I’m back in business”.

Disgraced former politician Salim Mehajer was released from prison on parole Friday morning, nearly five years after he was jailed for a string of serious offences.

Disgraced politician, failed groom and now former jailbird Salim Mehajer swapped his prison greens for a navy suit yesterday – and wasted no time in reacquainting himself with the kind of luxury he is accustomed to.

Before his release, prison sources said he boasted: “I’ve got my outfit ready – I’m back in business.”

Sporting a man-bun, sunglasses and a pastel tie, Mehajer walked free from the Francis Greenway Correctional Complex, near Windsor, at 9.30am and straight into the luxurious leather-lined interior of a black Mercedes with darkened windows.

The disgraced former Auburn deputy mayor, who sparked controversy by closing down a street for his $1m wedding that had a helicopter and fighter jet flying overhead, is back.

The media pack and news chopper overhead were a far cry from his jail time, spent mostly in solitary confinement for his own protection after he was found guilty in 2020 and 2023, in separate trials, for a string of crimes.

He was sentenced to seven years and nine months for forging his lawyer’s signature, and a string of domestic violence offences against his former partner including punching her, suffocating her and threatening to kill her mother.

Stepping out on parole yesterday, Mehajer enthusiastically shook the hand of the driver who met him and instructed him to take him immediately to Parramatta Westfield where he headed into a Service NSW office.

“I respectfully decline to comment, sorry,” Mehajer told reporters, who speculated on why that was his first stop. Renewing his driving licence? Signing on for Centrelink?

He then paid a visit to a dentist in Hornsby – preparing the megawatt smile he will need for his return to the world of property management – before heading to an apartment block in Parramatta.

Salim Mehajer pictured at Westfield Parramatta after being released from Prison on Friday. Picture: ABC News.

Salim Mehajer pictured leaving a Service NSW office in Parramatta after being released from Prison on Friday. Picture: 9 News.

His lawyer, Zawat Zreika, of Zreika Law, told The Saturday Telegraph that the parolee’s thoughts were focused on his family, who had stood by him during his time behind bars.

“Mr Mehajer has now been released from custody,” she said.

“This is a long-awaited and deeply personal moment for him and his family. He asks that their privacy be respected during this time.”

Disgraced former politician and convicted domestic violence offender Salim Mehajer has walked from prison on parole on Friday morning. Picture: 9News

Salim Mehajer leaves John Morony Correctional Centre. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The 39-year-old served just under five years behind bars before being released by the State Parole Authority on a string of conditions including not contacting his victim or going to the Central Coast.

Mehajer will also have to report in to a community corrections officer, see a private psychologist, be tested for drugs and alcohol and take part in domestic violence programs. Communicating with bikie friends is also forbidden.

The State Parole Authority ruled that his chances of reoffending were “medium” despite the Commissioner of Corrective Services opposing his release, saying his attitude had not changed.

And the court dramas are not over for Mehajer, who spent hours in his cell compiling legal documents and reportedly annoying staff with “arrogant” and “needy” demands.

Despite being released on parole, he will be back in the Court of Criminal Appeal on August 4 to appeal against his domestic violence conviction.

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Originally published as Salim Mehajer tastes freedom: Excuse me! I’m off to see the dentist