Reclaim Australia activist Philip Galea jailed over tasers
UPDATE: A RIGHT-wing anti-Islam extremist found in the possession of tasers, precursor chemicals and bomb-making manuals has been jailed.
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UPDATE: A RIGHT-wing anti-Islam extremist found in the possession of tasers, precursor chemicals and bomb-making manuals has been jailed.
And he now fears reprisal attacks from Muslim inmates, asking a magistrate to pass his concerns to prison guards.
Phillip Galea was found with five tasers, a jar full of mercury and bomb-making guides on his computer when Arson and Explosive Squad detectives searched his Braybrook home yesterday.
Police also uncovered a copy of the Anarchist Cookbook, a manual on how to make explosives and illicit drugs, as well as other material on hard drives relating to the making of explosives.
On his arrest Galea taunted police, telling them: “if you’re looking for the flash-bang you’re too late, I got tipped off on Facebook.”
Police executed the warrants on Galea’s home ahead of a planned anti-Islam rally at Melton on Sunday.
Galea told the Melbourne Magistrates Court today the tasers were for self-defence and the mercury to make batteries.
Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt dismissed the explanations finding the tasers were “for an aggressive attack on others in the community” and the mercury “capable of being used for the most sinister purpose”.
The court heard Galea, 31, was a member of anti-immigration group Reclaim Australia, not the United Patriots Front as was previously believed, that was behind a number of violent rallies.
He had attended a number of the protests, once armed with a knife, and had hoped to attend this weekend’s Reclaim Australia rally.
“I need to be out for Sunday,” he was overheard telling his lawyer before his matter got underway.
Hundreds are expected to converge near Melton Council’s offices but both sides are being cagey about exact numbers expected.
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There has been talk the protest will spill to a nearby park with police warning people to avoid the rally.
Galea pleaded guilty to charges of possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a precursor substance.
But despite the early pleas of guilty, just a day after being charged, Magistrate Klestadt said the only appropriate punishment for Galea’s crimes was an immediate prison term.
“The aim of the group is to defeat or destroy the multicultural aspect of Australia,” he said.
“I don’t for one moment suggest that you are other than a serious holder of those political views which espouse the subjugation of other political, religious or ethnic groups to what you believe is the Australian way of life.
“You are entitled to hold those views however offensive the may be to the majority.
“But the Australian way of life is founded upon the rule of law and the offences breach the rule of law of this state.”
Magistrate Klestadt said while every member of the community had a right to express their views, it had to be done within the law and without harm to others.
Galea was also fined $5000. His lawyer indicated he could appeal the sentence next week.