Alleged neo-nazi Stephen Wells released on $2000 bail, banned from entering SA, over alleged role in Australia Day protests

An alleged extremist prone to emotional outbursts in court has finally agreed to bail, after his wife posted all they could afford to secure his release.

An alleged neo-nazi prone to emotional outbursts has silently agreed to bail conditions that see him banned from SA - but not from communicating with an extremist organisation.

On Tuesday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court released Stephen Wells on $2000 bail, ordering his wife pay $1000 of that in cash before he leaves his cell.

Magistrate Ben Sale said Mr Wells could not leave his home state of WA, nor return to SA, unless it was for court, nor could he communicate with members of the National Socialist Network.

However, he declined to impose a communication ban with the NSN’s parent body, the European Australian Movement, or block Mr Wells from participating in racist demonstrations or wearing Nazi symbols.

Stephen Wells was one of 16 arrested while marching through the CBD on Australia Day.

“I think the ‘good behaviour’ condition (of the bail agreement) covers that … Mr Wells will have to read it carefully,” he said.

“Should he find himself alleged to have committed further, similar offending, he might anticipate an application to have his bail revoked.

“This has already taken a month of his life and cost him his job … I would think he would be inclined to be of good behaviour, and he would be well-advised to be very careful.”

Mr Wells, 56, of WA, has yet to plead to one count of loitering and one count of displaying a Nazi symbol or using a Nazi salute.

He was one of 16 people, alleged to be members of the far-right extremist group, arrested while marching through the Adelaide CBD on Australia Day.

Though granted bail, Mr Wells refused to sign it, saying he did “not accept the jurisdiction of this court, it has no standing … you can deal with me as you wish”.

After a month in custody, he applied for bail, only to become upset when told he would need to lodge a cash surety before his release.

“Just keep punishing me before the trial, then … 800 years of history has gone down the toilet today … the presumption of innocence is dead,” he said.

On Tuesday, counsel for Mr Wells said his client’s wife was prepared to lodge $1000 with the court, and forfeit a further $1000 should he breach his bail.

“Given he’s lost his job, they are under significant financial pressure … the family income (is reduced) to the $450 a week she earns as a casual worker,” he said.

“That pressure, and being on the hook for the guarantee, is a considerable deterrent which will militate against any future offending.”

Mr Sale said he was satisfied Mr Wells had made a “significant sacrifice” that would ensure he would return to SA in answer to his bail.

He remanded him to face court again in April.