Court Spares Underworld Figure Tony Mokbel Extra Jail Time
Victoria's highest court has ruled that Tony Mokbel, a notorious underworld figure, will not face additional imprisonment related to a methamphetamine trafficking operation. The Court of Appeal re-sentenced Mokbel to time already served after overturning some of his other convictions linked to the Lawyer X scandal.
Details of the Case
Mokbel was re-sentenced this morning for a drug scheme he operated between 2006 and 2007 while hiding in Greece, evading Australian police. Originally sentenced in 2012 to 30 years in prison, including a 20-year term for the drug operation known as "Magnum," the penalty was reduced by the Court of Appeal.
Impact of the Lawyer X Scandal
The reduction in Mokbel's sentence followed the overturning of several convictions due to issues arising from the Lawyer X scandal, prompting the court to amend the "Magnum" sentence to time served.
Tony Mokbel is no longer a "serious drug offender," the court stated, refusing to send him back to prison over the methamphetamine racket.
Current Status and Future Proceedings
Mokbel, currently out on bail, is expected to return to court later this month facing a separate drug-related case. After the hearing, he expressed affection for his partner before leaving, choosing not to speak to the media.
Summary
This decision marks a major legal victory for Mokbel, who has spent over 6,500 days in custody and is now closer to complete freedom.
Author's summary: Tony Mokbel's methamphetamine sentence was reduced to time served, reflecting legal fallout from the Lawyer X scandal and moving him nearer to freedom after lengthy imprisonment.