Clement Gilbert admits intimidating activist Paddy Gibson in ideologically motivated attack

A security guard has pleaded guilty to joining his neo-Nazi mate who runs a white supremacy group called Firm 22 in a terrifying attack on a social activist’s Arncliffe home.

A security guard has admitted to his role in intimidating a social activist at his Arncliffe home in an ideologically motivated attack.

Clement James Gilbert was going to defend charges of intimidation and affray but instead pleaded guilty in Sutherland Local Court on Monday.

The victim Padraic ‘Paddy’ Gibson was outside Sutherland Local Court with his partner and union supporters and held a peaceful protest when Gilbert walked out.

Agreed facts tendered to court said police believed Gilbert along with co-accused Desmond Liddington and Maxwell Ferrer targeted Gibson due to his political beliefs and activities, adding the attack was ideologically motivated.

Desmond Liddington is the leader of white supremacist group called Firm 22 and was previously jailed for his role in the attack. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Liddington – who sports an AK47 tattoo on his bald head with the word RAHOWA, referring to the neo-Nazi concept of a “racial holy war” — is the leader of white supremacist group called Firm 22.

Liddington was sentenced to two years and six months in prison with a non-parole period of 18 months.

During Liddington’s sentencing, Magistrate Phillip Stewart said the crimes were “motivated by hatred for, or prejudge against a group of people to which he believed Mr Gibson belonged”.

“There can be no doubt that Gibson was targeted by Liddington and others due to their right-wing extremist beliefs which obviously do not accord with those held by Gibson,” Mr Stewart said.

Maxwell Ferrer was also charged with intimidation and affray following the attack, he pleaded guilty and was placed on a community corrections order for 12 months.

Paddy, an anti-racism activist, spoke about the fear he and his partner experience during the terrifying attack. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The agreed facts said investigators were watching Liddington and Gilbert drive around Colyton on the morning of December 4, 2021.

About 7.30pm, CCTV recorded the same car in Mr Gibson’s street before Liddington, Gilbert and Ferrer walked up to Gibson’s house.

The men – who are bald or had closely shaved heads with Gilbert wearing a T-shirt with a Eureka Stockade cross – knocked on Gibson’s front door.

One of the men said, “is this Paddy?” We want to have a word with Paddy” before Mr Gibson replied, “no, Paddy is not here”.

Clement Gilbert left Sutherland Local Court with engaging with Mr Gibson or protesters. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Mr Gibson noticed the men’s size and muscular build, similar clothing and their shaved heads.

According to the agreed facts, he believed they were right-wing extremists with the neo-Nazi skinhead movement based on his experience with the political far right in protests.

Mr Gibson and his wife retreated to the back of his house fearing they would be assaulted and called Triple 0.

Mr Gibson heard the men continue to bang on the door and break glass before they left.

The men tore the security screen from the front window, smashed a window and overturned a glass table.

Padraic Gibson his wife Nat Weasley were due to give evidence on Monday but Gilbert pleaded guilty. Mr Gibson’s supporters protested neo-Nazi and ideologically- motivated beliefs. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

The court heard Gilbert’s defence lawyer Paul McGirr said Liddington, not his client, was the “main player” in the attack, and Gilbert “went along for the ride”.

The police documents said Gilbert, who lives in Ryde, worked as an alcohol service marshall at the Royal Oak Hotel in Lidcombe and lived with his sister and brother.

The court heard Gilbert had no criminal history and the case was adjourned for sentence to May 2.