Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell warned he could be ‘catapulted back to jail’

A neo-Nazi accused of launching a terrifying attack on a group of hikers has been warned he could be ‘catapulted back to jail’.

A neo-Nazi leader accused of launching a terrifying attack on a group of hikers will be sent straight back to jail if he breaches strict bail conditions, a magistrate has warned.

Thomas Sewell was allegedly among a group of up to 20 men wearing black T-shirts emblazoned with a white symbol.

They are accused of launching a shocking attack on a group of hikers that included smashing their car windows and threatening them with knives at the Cathedral Ranges State Park northeast of Melbourne on May 8.

Mr Sewell’s matter was on Tuesday heard in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, where his lawyers asked for a contest hearing to discuss several matters in dispute.

Magistrate John Hardy ran through Mr Sewell’s bail conditions to which Mr Sewell, who appeared via audio link, replied, “Yes Your Honour” when asked if he understood.

Thomas Sewell has been warned not to breach bail conditions or he will be sent back to jail. Picture: Supplied via NCA NewsWire

“Further offences will catapult you back into custody,” Mr Hardy told the court.

Mr Sewell is facing affray-related offences and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The 28-year-old was the leader of European Australian Movement, prosecutors had earlier told the court.

In October one of the hikers told of their terrifying encounter with the group when giving evidence in court and how they feared they were “going to be killed”.

Thomas Sewell is accused of being among a group of alleged neo-Nazis who launched an attack on a group of hikers.

The court was told the hikers crossed paths with the black-clad group while trekking to Mt Sugarloaf and feared they may be “neo-Nazis”.

Another hiker described how the alleged attackers tried to open their car doors after they spotted him filming.

Prosecutors previously alleged in court that DNA found on the car, including blood, had matched to Mr Sewell.

Mr Sewell’s supporters were also warned after disrupting the court case with “coded hate speech” after they were spotted on previous virtual hearings with a “Free Tom” sign.

Mr Sewell and another man were arrested in May when officers raided a home in Rowville.

Victoria Police said the investigation followed an alleged armed robbery at Taggerty in Victoria’s east.

Mr Sewell had been remanded in custody until being granted bail in the County Court last week.

The matter will return to court for a contest hearing on May 20 next year.

Originally published as Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell warned he could be ‘catapulted back to jail’