Sydney neo-Nazi Desmond Liddington claims activist attack not ‘racially or politically motivated’

A tatted-up neo-Nazi due to be sentenced for a horrific episode at the home of a socialist activist believes “everyone should be able to express their views freely”, a courtroom heard.

A neo-Nazi involved in a terrifying affrontation at the home of a prominent social activist has denied the attack was “politically motivated”.

The remarks were documented in a pre-sentencing assessment report for Desmond Liddington, 39, who previously pleaded guilty to affray and intimidating Padaric “Paddy” Gibson at his Arncliffe home in December, 2021.

Documents tendered in court stated the Gregory Hills man was the leader of white supremacist group called Firm 22 and holds “extreme right wing political views and believes in a white supremacy ideology”.

It indicated Liddington has targeted Mr Gibson due to his beliefs with the victim having previously been in the media for his involvement in Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020 among other issues.

Police were monitoring Liddington and another man in Colton on the morning of December 4, 2021, where they were spotted entering a white Toyota Corolla driven by an associate.

About 7.30pm, CCTV captured Liddington, Maxwell Ferrer and another man exit the car near Mr Gibson’s home.

The documents stated the men knocked on Mr Gibson’s door, with the victim unable to recognise them despite believing they were neo-Nazi extremists given his previous interaction with people in the far-right movement.

Desmond Liddington outside Sutherland Local Court in 2022. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Mr Gibson noticed they were wearing similar clothing, had shaved heads and one of the men’s t-shirts had a Eureka Stockade cross on the front.

One of the men beckoned to “have a word” with Mr Gibson, but he said he wasn't home before rushing to the back of the house, locking the back door, hiding in the bedroom with his wife and calling triple-0.

The three thugs tore off the front security door, smashed a window and overturned a table before leaving.

Police established a crime scene and picked up Ferrer‘s fingerprints on the table.

Ferrer was arrested at his home in Greenwell Point in March, one month before Liddington was arrested at his house where a police search uncovered multiple items featuring Firm 22 symbols and branding.

After pleading guilty to intimidation and affray, Ferrer received a 12-month community correction order last year.

In Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday, Liddington‘s lawyer Phil Stewart said the offender had a job lined up with BWB Bricklaying pending the outcome of his criminal matters.

Mr Stewart admitted Liddington had been “confrontational” and had ”differing views” to Mr Gibson, however, he said his client believes “people should also be able to express their views freely”.

Mr Stewart also said Liddington‘s mixed family, which includes his partner and six children, were in “dire financial straits” and facing “problems paying the rent”.

Mr Stewart asked Magistrate Philip Stewart to consider imposing a CCO given Ferrer‘s sentence, but that was taken off the table due to Liddington’s inferior criminal record.

The court heard Liddington said in his SAR he denied the attack was “racially or politically motivated”.

However, Magistrate Stewart said the facts of the case “contradicted” that assessment.

The magistrate said he had “a lot to consider” with the sentencing adjourned until February 6, with the court hearing Liddington has unrelated driving matters in Picton Local Court two days later.