Tony Mokbel Walks Free After Major Drug Sentence Reduced
Gangland figure Tony Mokbel will not serve any more time in prison after his major drug trafficking sentence was significantly reduced on appeal. Initially sentenced in 2012, Mokbel’s original 30-year prison term with a 22-year non-parole period was cut down considerably.
Background of the Case
In 2012, Mokbel pleaded guilty to leading a complex drug syndicate involved in three separate criminal cases. Of his 30-year sentence, 20 years were attributed to one case.
Sentence Reduction Details
On Thursday, the court shortened that 20-year sentence to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days. The court recognized this period as time already served prior to the appeal hearing.
“He is taken to have served that entire sentence,” said Justice Stephen McLeish.
Mokbel showed respect to the court by standing and bowing before planting a kiss on his girlfriend and leaving quietly, heading toward his legal team’s chambers.
Reasoning Behind Resentencing
- The court factored in the 2023 quashing of an earlier conviction known as Plutonium.
- Mokbel’s head injury sustained while incarcerated was also considered.
- He was resentenced as a first-time drug offender.
Decisions on Related Convictions
On October 3, the Court of Appeal justices—Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye—unanimously ruled as follows:
- One conviction (Quills) was quashed.
- A retrial was ordered for a second conviction (Orbital).
- The third conviction (Magnum) was upheld.
This decision reshaped Mokbel’s legal standing and ultimately led to his release.
Author’s Summary
Tony Mokbel's lengthy drug conviction was drastically reduced on appeal, resulting in his immediate release after time served and reconsideration of previous convictions and circumstances.