Nazi symbol charge dropped against WA man James Allan Holliday over Adelaide Australia Day rally

A third man has had a Nazi charge dropped after a rally in the Adelaide CBD – but still has to appear in court in person next time.

James Holliday after being released from the Adelaide Watch House.

A Western Australia man who participated in an Australia Day rally allegedly organised by the National Socialist Network is no longer accused of possessing a Nazi symbol – but did allegedly possess a disguise.

On Tuesday, James Allan Holliday, 26, appeared via telephone in the Adelaide Magistrates Court before Magistrate Simon Smart.

The court heard police prosecutors would withdraw one count of displaying a Nazi symbol or salute.

Prosecutors said the second charge, of possessing an article of disguise was proceeding.

Mr Holliday is yet to enter a plea.

During his first appearance in court, the Marangaroo man said he had “wasn’t wearing any articles of disguise”, and was carrying a hat and sunglasses.

“I had a bucket hat and sunglasses in my bag,” he said.

He was one of 15 people who faced court after being arrested for allegedly disrupting peaceful and prearranged marches on Australia Day. The men, from SA, Victoria, NSW, Queensland, WA and Tasmania, were charged with offences ranging from carrying an item of disguise to using a Nazi symbol.

Counsel for Mr Holliday said the matter was contested, and asked the matter be adjourned for a pre-trial conference.

Mr Smart said the 26-year-old would be expected to attend the hearing in person.

The WA man is the third of the group to be cleared of any wrongdoing, after a loitering charge was dropped against Adelaide man Shannen Bartel and a charge of displaying a Nazi symbol charges against WA man Mason James Robbins was also withdrawn.

The matter will return to court in May.

Originally published as Nazi symbol charge dropped against WA man James Allan Holliday over Adelaide Australia Day rally