Prominent neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell accused of intimidating a police officer
White supremacist Thomas Sewell plans to fight criminal charges accusing him of intimidating a police officer, labelling the case against him “ridiculous” and “political prosecution”.
Police & Courts
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Prominent neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell plans to fight criminal charges accusing him of intimidating a police officer.
Mr Sewell, 31, leader of the National Socialist Network (NSN), appeared before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he labelled the case against him “ridiculous” and “political prosecution”.
He opted to fast-track the criminal case which he declared should be thrown out.
“Unless the prosecution plans to throw out this case which is ridiculous then there is nothing else to discuss,” Mr Sewell told the court.
The white supremacist was charged with two counts of intimidating a police officer or police officer’s family member and multiple personal safety intervention order (PSIVO) breaches following police raids targeting the neo-Nazi group in November.
He faces potential jail time if found guilty of the offences.
Outside court, Mr Sewell said he had committed no crime.
He claimed he was being targeted by police and had no intentions to change his behaviour.
“I am not a slave. I am a free man. No matter how much they persecute us we are going to continue to put forward our political rights,” Mr Sewell said.
A large police and security presence were in attendance at court.
Six witnesses, including several police officers, will be called to give evidence as part of the case.
In court, Mr Sewell asked if fast tracking the matter would expedite the return of property confiscated from him during the police raids.
“Will this speed up the process of me getting property back that was stolen from me?” he asked.
Mr Sewell’s bail was extended on conditions including that he does not stalk or commit prohibited behaviour toward a protected person subject of the PSIVO.
He will return to court for contest mention in August.
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