Thomas Sewell, a 31-year-old neo-Nazi, has faced allegations of intimidating a police officer online, which he claims are untrue. Following extensions to his bail, Sewell appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he is charged with intimidation and numerous breaches of personal safety intervention orders linked to police raids on the National Socialist Network in November.
In court, Sewell chose to represent himself and was accompanied by six supporters, all dressed in black and displaying insignia associated with his group. The day’s proceedings were marked by a request from prosecutor Louis Andrews to postpone the case for at least four weeks due to complications involving a crucial witness, which Sewell opposed, expressing his desire to expedite the process.
Despite Sewell’s insistence on moving forward, Justice Michelle Hodgson ruled in favour of postponement, directing that the matter return to court in two weeks. Although the case was originally slated for a three-day contested hearing, the details surrounding the alleged incidents were not disclosed during the session.
In relation to his legal strategy, Sewell had previously waived his right to seek further legal advice, allowing him to accelerate his case, now set for a hearing on 1 September. Outside the courtroom, he revealed that a warrant for his arrest had been issued in connection with an alleged assault during a march he participated in on 9 August. While his bail has been extended, it is conditional, pending the outcome of future hearings.