Norberto Trimestra granted bail after alleged Nazi salute at the Criterion Hotel

A retired electronic engineer who describes himself as an online journalist has been banned from drinking alcohol after he allegedly made a Nazi salute at a popular watering hole in Sydney’s CBD.

Carlingford man Norberto Trimestra, 68, was arrested after he allegedly performed the Nazi salute at the Criterion Hotel in Pitt St, Sydney, and then refused to leave the premises.

A retired electronic engineer who describes himself as an online journalist has been banned from drinking alcohol after he allegedly made a Nazi salute at a popular watering hole in Sydney’s CBD.

Carlingford man Norberto Trimestra, 68, was arrested after he allegedly performed the Nazi salute at the Criterion Hotel in Pitt St, Sydney, on Friday night and then refused to leave the premises.

Norberto Triemstra (red shirt) leaves custody with his lawyer after he was granted bail on Saturday. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Police were flagged down by a security guard at the venue.

The Argentinian was later charged with not leaving premises when required, knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol in public without excuse and performing the Nazi salute in public, and spent the night in custody before appearing in Parramatta Court on Saturday to make a bid for freedom.

He has not entered pleas to the charges.

Trimestra describes himself on social media as “a journalist inventing new forms of democratic governments”.

The court was told police were concerned for public safety if Trimestra was to be released on bail, as well as fears his alleged behaviour would escalate.

Norberto Triemstra (wearing a red shirt) before he left custody. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Trimestra was allegedly argumentative with police before he was arrested on Friday night, which also sparked concerns over whether he would comply with bail conditions if released.

The court was told he had a several infringements on his criminal record for failing to leave licensed premises, though lawyer Steven Mercael said there was no evidence of these infringements other than what was in police documents.

He told the court his client’s criminal history included minor offences and a transport offence in 2016, but Trimestra had no history of violence.

Norberto Triemstra (wearing a red shirt) left custody in Surry Hills after being released on bail, after he allegedly made a Nazi salute at a hotel in the CBD on Friday night. Picture: Rohan Kelly

He said Trimestra was a father of six, with three adult children in Sydney and three children in his home country of Argentina.

Trimestra had been a permanent resident in Australia for 30 years, and was a qualified electronic engineer who had retired last year.

Mr Mercael said his client did not have a history of non compliance.

The court was told it appeared Trimestra’s behaviour was exacerbated by alcohol.

Trimestra was granted bail on the conditions he not drink, he not enter the Sydney CBD or go within one kilometre of the area unless to attend court and to report to police twice a week.

He is expected to next face court at the Downing Centre on January 8.

Trimestra was seen speaking with his lawyer inside the Surry Hills facility he was kept in custody at overnight.

The pair then left the building together with Trimestra holding a wrapped plastic package as he left the scene.