'Danger to the public': Neo-Nazi leader loses bid for bail
Share this @internewscast.com

Neo-Nazi group leader Thomas Sewell is a danger to the public, a magistrate has found as she refused him bail over an alleged attack on an Aboriginal protest site.

Sewell, 32, called out “we fight for white Australia” as he was led from the magistrates courtroom in Melbourne today after the decision was handed down.

A dozen of his supporters, clad in black clothing, called back “heil Australia” from the public gallery.

Thomas Sewell has been denied bail over an alleged attack on an Indigenous site in Melbourne.
Thomas Sewell has been denied bail over an alleged attack on an Indigenous site in Melbourne. (Justin McManus/The Age)

Sewell is accused of leading a group of about 30 men to storm Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne’s city centre following an anti-immigration protest.

It’s alleged members of the white nationalist group, dressed in black, held down occupants of the Indigenous camp on Sunday evening, before kicking and punching them.

Three people were injured in the incident, with one woman requiring staples in her scalp to close a wound, the court was told.

Sewell was arrested outside court on Tuesday and charged with 25 offences, including violent disorder and affray.

In applying for bail, Sewell’s lawyer, Mathew Hopkins, argued the evidence against his client in the Camp Sovereignty incident was one-sided and weak. 

But magistrate Donna Bakos this morning found the case was a strong one, noting there was video of the alleged assaults. 

“To lead and participate in an unprovoked attack … can only be viewed as extremely serious conduct,” she said.

Sewell was also charged over an assault on August 9, when he allegedly punched and tackled a man after he confronted Sewell as his white nationalist group marched in the city.

Bakos accepted while there may be a defence for that incident, there could also be issues of using excessive force.

The magistrate also noted Sewell was on bail at the time of the alleged offending on charges of intimidation, which he is contesting in court. 

He also has outstanding charges of behaving in an offensive manner and using offensive language over a series of marches he led in Ballarat and the Melbourne city centre.

Given his prior convictions for violent disorder and affray, Bakos found Sewell could be facing a significant term of imprisonment if convicted on the fresh offending.

“The charges for which he seeks bail are another level,” she told the court.

“I’m satisfied there is a risk he would, if released, endanger the safety and welfare of others.”

In denying his bail application, Bakos said Sewell was not charged with offences relating to his political views and ideology.

But she found he was a risk to the community and people had a right to go about their lives without being confronted by his hateful speech.

Sewell was remanded in custody to a committal mention date in December.

He is also due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday for a contested hearing over the intimidation charges.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Alachua Resident Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – David Charles Stillwell, 50, of Alachua, was…

Kansas Resident Attacks Grandmother Over Laundry Dispute

A Kansas man arrested for stabbing his grandmother did so because he…

Man Passes Away Following Dental Surgery for Tooth Extractions

Background: Visage Surgical Institute in Medina, Ohio (Google Maps). Inset: Matthew Miller…

Officer Convicted for Girlfriend’s Death in Gun ‘Training’ Incident

Inset, left to right: Leslie Dale Boileau Jr. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)…

Diddy Writes Apology Letter to Judge Before Sentencing Day

In a desperate attempt to reduce his time in prison, disgraced rap…

Latest Update: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Federal Prostitution Case Moves to Sentencing Stage

On Friday, a New York federal judge will sentence Sean “Diddy” Combs…

Authorities Release the Identities of Two Victims in Synagogue Attack

Greater Manchester Police said local residents Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz,…

Father Declines to Assist 12-Year-Old Daughter with Diabetes Management

Inset left to right: Brent Bredhold (Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office) and Alice…

Sister Warned of Funeral Plans Shortly Before Tragic Murder-Suicide

Background: News footage showcases the Birmingham, Ala. neighborhood where LaVentrice Denise Tolbert…

City Representative Shocked by Man with a Shotgun: Police Report

Inset: Joey Alexander (KRON/YouTube). Background: The Main Branch of the San Francisco…

An 11-Year-Old Autistic Boy Disappears; Blood Found at Home and Mother Hospitalized

The search continues for an 11-year-old New York boy who has not…

Police Report: Unqualified Dentists Harmed Patients, Causing Infections and Disfigurement

Share copy link Left image: Carlos Rendon. Right image: Yorlady Rendon (Orange…