Derryn Hinch to learn fate

Radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch is poised to be sentenced to home detention after being found guilty to four counts of breaching a suppression order.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning heard that Hinch will await an assessment of his home to see if it is suitable for such an order.
If so, Hinch will also be fitted with an ankle bracelet that will monitor his movements.

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Derryn Hinch leaves court earlier this month. Photo: Jason South

Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said that while in home detention, Hinch would face similar conditions as if he was in jail.
He reiterated that if it were not for Hinch’s parlous state of health, he would receive a jail term.
Hinch, representing himself in his plea hearing today, told the court he was a person of good character, having been an ambassador for several charitable causes.
He said he had a long list of prior convictions for similar offences but believed he was justified in all of those occasions.
Hinch is awaiting a liver transplant and it would be most likely impossible for him to be transported from Port Phillip Prison to the Austin Hospital, where his procedure would take place, in sufficient time for any suitable liver to be transplanted to him.
Hinch will return to court next month. He is yet to be sentenced.