‘I heil Hitler every day’: Neo-Nazi leader admits outside court

The first man to face court following the banning of the heil Hitler salute has told media he still performs it “every day”.

The first person to be charged with breaching Victoria’s new Nazi salute has told media “I heil Hitler every day”.

Jacob Hersant, 24, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday on a charge of public display or performance of Nazi symbols or gestures.

Mr Hersant, dressed in a blue suit and wearing a black face mask, asked for an adjournment as he was “waiting to hear back from Legal Aid”.

Magistrate Tara Hartnett adjourned the matter until January 16 and asked Mr Hersant if he had done anything to contact Legal Aid.

“My lawyers are doing it,’ Mr Hersant said.

Leaving court after the short hearing, Mr Hersant told waiting media: “I am a national socialist and I heil Hitler every day.”

Neo-Nazi group leader Jacob Hersant has fronted court for using the heil Hitler salute. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Mr Hersant is the self-proclaimed leader of far-right neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network.

The ban on the salute came into effect on October 21, six days before Mr Hersant allegedly performed it on camera on the steps of the Melbourne County Court.

In front of media cameras, Mr Hersant allegedly exclaimed “heil Hitler” before throwing his arm forward.

“Oh no, nearly did it ha ha – that’s illegal now isn’t it,” he said.

“Australia for the white man, heil Hitler.”

He was interviewed and charged by Victoria Police under the new legislation more than two weeks later on November 10.

“This is the first time an incident of a Nazi salute has been reported to police,” a Victoria Police spokesman said after his arrest.

“Investigators have been told the salute was allegedly performed outside a Melbourne court on October 27.”

Under the new laws, anyone caught throwing the offensive gesture in public could face fines of up to $23,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months.

When he allegedly performed the salute, Mr Hersant was leaving court following his sentencing on a charge of violent conduct. He received 200 hours of community service as well as time served.