Tony Mokbel spotted going for walk in Viewbank, Melbourne on first day of freedom
Notorious Melbourne gangland figure Tony Mokbel has been spotted soaking up his newfound freedom after a successful bail application.
The 59-year-old was seen walking in Viewbank in Melbourne’s northeast with his girlfriend and family on Saturday morning.
Mobkel was tight-lipped when asked how it felt to finally be back in the real world.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He also did not respond to questions about his upcoming Lawyer X appeal in which he will seek to overturn drug trafficking convictions.
After spending 18 years in custody, Mokbel was released from prison on Friday under strict bail conditions.
He must physically report to Heidelberg police station every day between 9am and 5pm.
Mokbel must also surrender his passport, not leave metropolitan Melbourne and not be within 2km of any airport.
He’s currently living with his sister Gawy Saad at her four-bedroom home at Viewbank.
Mokbel was convicted after he plead guilty in 2007 to heading a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking empire known as The Company.
He was represented at the time by barrister-turned-supergrass Nicola Gobbo, unaware she was informing for Victoria Police.
On Friday President of the Court of Appeal Justice Karin Emerton said Mokbel had “a very strong case that his convictions should be quashed”.
Mokbel’s barrister Julie Condon KC cited delays in hearing his appeal, the strength of his case, his poor physical health, strong ties to jurisdiction due to his family and “long-term de facto” relationship, as exceptional circumstances to prove he should be released on bail.
He is currently eligible for parole in June 2031 and an appeal over his drug trafficking convictions will be heard later this year.
Originally published on 7NEWS
