Anthony Hess: Socialite accused of playing a key role in an international drug syndicate cleared

A colorful socialite known as ‘Hot Mess’ has been cleared of involvement in an international drug import syndicate and released on bail after nearly a year behind bars on remand.

Anthony Hess swapped his designer labels for a plain white T-shirt when he appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday on drug charges.

Police had alleged that the 43-year-old was involved in attempts to import large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine from the US and Europe into Australia in 2020 and 2021.

Appearing on screen for a hearing, Crown Prosecutor Holly Baxter at the last minute withdrew the six charges against Mr Hess and filed six alternative charges.

Crown Prosecutor Holly Baxter withdrew the six charges against Mr Hess at the last minute and filed six alternative charges

The new charges include a single attempted import of ketamine and three counts of complicity in trafficking a commercial quantity of an illegal drug.”

Police had alleged that he facilitated the importation of large quantities by providing his friends’ addresses for three illegal international shipments.

The court heard that he called DHL Express shipping company on December 29, 2020 about a package that had not arrived at its destination.

Unbeknownst to him, the package had been identified as illegal drugs and seized by the Australian Border Force.

Ms Baxter told the court that the formerly high-profile influencer had handled the drugs by ‘claiming ownership’ of the package sent from the UK.

“He had made provisions for delivery and what will happen after delivery in Australia,” she said.

His lawyer Paul Smallwood argued that the call did not prove that Mr Hess had knowingly attempted to ship a marketable quantity of ketamine to Australia.

“This is, at best, an investigation into an attempt to handle this shipment,” he said.

“It’s not an attempt to deal with it in connection with its importation.”

Mr Smallwood argued that there was ‘no message’ or ‘direct call’ proving his client had provided the delivery addresses.

“Most fundamentally, there is no evidence that – even if Mr Hess is believed to have provided (the addresses of his friends) – that anyone committed the importation,” he said.

Mr. Hess was acquitted of playing a role in an international drug import syndicate

He was released on bail after nearly a year behind bars on remand

To be found guilty, Mr Smallwood noted that his client’s conduct must have contributed to drug importation, committed by another person.

“If the prosecution cannot establish who (Mr. Hess) allegedly aided or encouraged … (or) cannot establish that person guilty of the offense of importation, then (the) charges must necessarily fail,” he said .

But Magistrate Kieran Gilligan agreed with the defense that there was a “gap in the prosecution case” that could not be bridged.

He dismissed the four drug-related charges for insufficient evidence and ordered the crown to pay Mr Hess’s legal fees.

“In my opinion there is no case to answer in relation to (these) allegations,” the magistrate said.

While the verdict is a major legal victory, Mr. Hess still faces two new charges unrelated to drug importation.

He is accused of obtaining a financial advantage through fraud after filing an insurance claim alleging that his $44,000 Rolex watch was stolen while in Thailand.

Police also charged the 43-year-old with perjury after he signed a police statement about the theft, which allegedly conflicts with statements he has given to others.

The court heard that he received no payment as a result of the insurance claim.

The South Melbourne resident will return to court later in the year to present a plea on the two unfairness charges.

Although the verdict is a major legal victory, Mr Hess still faces two new charges unrelated to drug importation

He was released on bail on Tuesday after serving just under a year in custody following his arrest in June last year.

Mr. Hess thanked the magistrate and waved to the court.

He burst into the spotlight in 2020 amid a bitter feud with Sydney public relations guru Roxy Jacenko, in which he graffitied ‘Roxy is ac***’ outside of her company.

The socialite, who has been photographed with celebrities and former prime ministers, was also reportedly punched by former cyclist Toby Mitchell after a boozy night out in South Yarra.