Australian Gangster Tony Mokbel's Drug Sentence Reduced
Tony Mokbel, one of Australia's most notorious gangsters, received a reduced prison sentence for drug trafficking after revelations about his lawyer acting as a police informant.
Background of the Case
Mokbel was originally sentenced to 30 years in 2012 for leading a complex drug syndicate during Melbourne's gangland war. His criminal network, known as "The Company," was connected to numerous murders later portrayed in the TV series Underbelly.
Key Legal Development
The case shifted dramatically when it was revealed that Nicola Gobbo, Mokbel’s high-profile lawyer, had been informally providing information to the police while defending clients.
Sentence Reduction and Appeal
- Mokbel spent about 18 years in prison before being released on bail in April after courts found grounds for appeal.
- His legal team argued that he would not have pleaded guilty if he had known about Gobbo’s role as Informer 3838.
- The Court of Appeal addressed a specific charge concerning trafficking over 41 kilograms of methylamphetamine between 2006 and 2007.
- Although the appeal was dismissed, Mokbel’s sentence was reduced from 20 years to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days.
“The court noted Mokbel’s crimes were ‘very grave’ but acknowledged ‘unusual circumstances’ in the case.”
The justices also considered that Mokbel was a first-time drug offender and had sustained serious injuries while in prison.
Author’s Summary
Tony Mokbel’s reduced sentence reflects the complex legal issues arising from his lawyer’s double role as a police informant, highlighting tensions between justice and legal ethics.