Neo-Nazi Leader Thomas Sewell and Co-Accused Appear in Court Over Camp Sovereignty Incident

Thomas Sewell, 32, identified as a neo-Nazi leader, and more than a dozen other men appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. They face charges related to the Camp Sovereignty incident. Sewell has indicated a potential plea but asserts that his actions were provoked.

Sewell has indicated a potential plea but asserts that his actions were provoked, claiming his actions were not "unprovoked."

Alleged Storming of Aboriginal Protest Site

It is alleged that Sewell led a group that stormed the Aboriginal protest site in August, following an anti-immigration protest in central Melbourne. The men, dressed in black, reportedly restrained occupants of the Indigenous camp before kicking and punching them. Three individuals sustained injuries, with one woman requiring staples for a scalp wound, according to previous court details.

Adjournments and Plea Discussions

Sewell and co-accused Nathan Bull, Timothy Holger Lutze, Augustus Coolie Hartigan, Ryan Williams, and Blake Cathcart each requested an adjournment to March. Sewell’s lawyer, Mathew Hopkins, informed the court of ongoing "resolution discussions" with the prosecution, necessitating more time.

Hopkins stated that the facts of the case remain disputed, although the prosecutor confirmed the charges themselves were "not necessarily in issue."

Sewell Disputes Provocation Claims

Outside court, Sewell disputed the allegation that the attack was unprovoked. He stated, "If we can agree to the facts, then I’m happy to do what’s needed to be done."

Sewell added, "This idea that I just walk around the street punching people for no reason ... that’s just a lie."

Other Accused: Not Guilty Pleas and Committal Hearings

Not Guilty Pleas

Three other accused—Zack Steven Dewaard, Billy Conheady, and Haymish Busscher—formally pleaded not guilty to charges, including violent disorder and affray. They are scheduled for trial in the Victorian County Court, with an initial directions hearing set for March.

Committal Hearing

Separately, Jake Crockett, Michael Nelson, Yan Zakharin, and Michael Saarinen will contest the allegations at a Magistrates’ Court committal hearing in May.

Guilty Plea

Jaeden Johnson was the sole individual to admit guilt, pleading guilty to charges of violent disorder, assault by kicking, and committing an indictable offense while on bail. Johnson is scheduled for a plea hearing in the Victorian County Court in August.