Anthony Hess ‘hating’ prison life while on remand for drug charges

A high-flying former Bitcoin trader has revealed his “horrible” struggle behind bars, breaking down in court as he begged for bail.

A controversial celebrity socialite arrested on drug importation charges has broken down in tears in court saying how “horrible” life behind bars on remand is.

“I hate it in here,” Anthony “Hot Mess” Hess told Melbourne Magistrates Court as he pushed to be freed on bail on Monday.

“I have been locked in my cell for four weeks.

“I’ve been asking to get help since I’ve been in here.

“No-one cares. I can’t even get enough food.

“It’s horrible in here.”

The confines of a cell would be in stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle the high-flying former Bitcoin trader was used to living with his social media accounts littered with images of his overseas travels, partying and flash cars, as well as posing alongside celebrities and bikies.

Mr Hess, 42, made it clear to magistrate Alexandra Burt that he wanted to be freed on bail, becoming emotional and throwing his head in his hands when he was told his application would be adjourned for a month.

Anthony Hess with ex-bikie Toby Mitchell. Picture: Supplied

He is charged with attempting to import three parcels containing 6kg of methamphetamine, 4kg of cocaine and 1kg of ketamine from December 2020 to July 2021.

Police allege he is part of an international drug trafficking syndicate with the ringleader, saved in his phone as “John Smith”, based in Thailand.

The court heard messages on Mr Hess’s phone showed conversations between him and Mr Smith, who tasked him with providing addresses for the drugs to be sent to.

“So basically we need you to take full control,” Mr Smith wrote.

“On a weekly basis we are going to need anywhere from 10 addresses.

“I can have fake IDs for anyone who likes if this will help.

“Ultimately the goal is to have unlimited addresses.”

Mr Smith promised Mr Hess: “You will make more money than your current speciality.”

Mr Hess allegedly replied: “I’m reliable if you need me to go to Sydney or anything at short notice.”

Hess posted pictures of flash cars on his social media.

Mr Hess enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. Picture: Supplied

But Mr Smith wrote that they needed to be discreet.

“You are a handsome man, but I don’t want you to put your face to anything,” he told Mr Hess, adding that they should use Airtasker to deliver the packages.

When arrested by Australian Federal Police on June 14, Mr Hess denied any involvement.

Shown messages from his phone, he claimed his identity must have been stolen.

The court heard he conceded it was his voice on a phone recording inquiring with DHL about a delayed parcel arrival, but that he sounded like he was high on drugs.

Detective Senior Constable Matthew Poore, from the Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, vehemently opposed Mr Hess’s release.

Sen Constable Poore said Mr Hess “actively played a central role” in the drug importations, providing addresses, including that of his neighbours for drugs to be delivered to – and was facing up to 25 years in jail.

Hess says prison life is “horrible”.

He said he would be a flight risk if freed into the community as he was well-connected to get fake travel documents.

“The accused has expressed a desire to leave Australia and was actively sorting to have his American visa renewed,” the detective told the court.

The court heard he had been living in the United States from October 2020 to January this year in fear of his life after having a confrontation with former Mongols boss Toby Mitchell.

Sen Constable Poore said when Mr Hess flew back into Sydney airport on January 10, he was found with 1005g of suspected human growth hormones, as well as an American Express card and ID under the name Jeremy Kennett Long, doctored with his photo.

Defence lawyer Bridie Kelly proposed Mr Hess be released with a GPS anklet, which his parents would cough up the $25,000 to be installed to secure their son’s release.

But Ms Burt adjourned the application saying she would need to hear evidence from the company who provides the anklet to determine if it was suitable for police to monitor his movements.

The bail application will continue on August 9.