The former DJ who allegedly headbutted former Prime Minister Tony Abbott is staring down the possibility of a long stint behind bars.
Astro Labe admits he was drunk when he approached Mr Abbott in Hobart to shake his hand, before allegedly head butting the Warringah MP.
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The 38-year-old was initially charged with common assault, however because his victim was Mr Abbott, that has been upgraded to 'causing harm to a Commonwealth public official'. If the case is heard in the Supreme Court, it carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.
He didn't enter a plea at the Hobart Magistrates Court this week, however he was released on bail ahead of his next appearance in January.
Credit: Channel 9
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When the incident happened last month, there was fierce speculation that Mr Labe allegedly did it because Tony Abbott has been a staunch voice for the 'No' campaign for the same sex marriage plebiscite. Much of that speculation was driven by the fact that the accused was wearing a 'Vote Yes' when the assault took place.
The following day, Mr Abbott told reporters: "It's a shock to have a fellow Australian seeking to shake your hand turn a handshake into an assault. Normally a handshake is a sign of trust and peace, it's a sign of two people wanting to deal openly and courteously with each other.
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"[It is] more than a little disturbing that some supporters of same-sex marriage behave this way.
"There is no doubt that there has been some ugliness as part of this debate but I regret to say that nearly all of it seems to be coming from one side and that is the people who tell us that love is love."
Tony the day after the assault. Credit: Channel 7
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Politicians, campaigners and ordinary Aussies on both sides of the same sex marriage debate condemned the move. However it wasn't until news organisations caught up with Astro to hear what really motivated him to do what he's accused of doing.
His answer has probably got to be the most hilarious thing of this whole incident, telling Channel 9: "All it was is I saw Tony Abbott and I'd had half a skinful and I wanted to nut the c**t."
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Astro elaborated to Channel 7: "It was nothing to do with the 'yes' campaign, that was just a sticker that a friend stuck on me. [It] was just a lifelong ambition to headbutt a fascist because I'm a skinhead that likes ska music and hates fascism. He's an evil c**t, I'm an anarchist and I believe in human rights."
Then finally, he goes in further with the Guardian: "He's a gentrified rich kid. He personifies everything I hate politically, and he's not even good at it. If I see an opportunity to improve my life and those around me by nutting Tony Abbott, I'm a pretty pragmatic guy."
Considering he's openly admitting to the assault, it doesn't look good for him in the courtroom. We'll have to see how it plays out in January.
Sources: Channel 9, Channel 7, Guardian
Topics: Prime Minister, Australia News, Assault, crime, Jail, Politics, court