Alleged National Socialist Network member Nathan Bull fires lawyer over Australia Day protest case, complains charges aren’t dropped

An alleged white extremist arrested on Australia Day has made some interesting choices about his legal representation, and feels he’s been hard done by.

An alleged neo-Nazi has failed to attend court in person, fired his lawyer, announced he will represent himself, and complained prosecutors won’t drop the charges against him.

Nathan Bull was required, under his bail conditions, to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court in person on Friday.

Instead, he appeared by phone as his former lawyer announced he would no longer be acting in the case.

Magistrate John Clover noted Mr Bull had not been excused from attending court, but the alleged National Socialist Network member insisted he had “by email”.

Nathan Bull leaves the City Watchhouse following his grant of bail. Picture: NCA Newswire

“I wasn’t able to get there, I don’t have employment, I don’t have the money to fly to SA,” he said.

Asked if he had begun negotiating with prosecutors, Mr Bull replied: “Well, I’m not going to plead guilty.”

“Why does it have to be negotiated? There was a case not three days ago where someone with the same charges as me was dropped,” he said.

Mr Bull, 23, of Sunbury in Victoria, was one of 16 people arrested during an alleged National Socialist Network march on Australia Day.

Charged with carrying an offensive weapon or an article of disguise, he was released on bail despite querying the court’s jurisdiction.

“How are you able to displace my human rights? I have an implied right to freedom of movement and freedom of communication,” he said at the time.

Mr Bull was bailed, but did not appear in court in person. Picture: NCA Newswire

Nathan Bull has become a familiar face among crowds at neo-Nazi protests across Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bull has been prominent in alleged extremist displays, having been photographed performing a Nazi salute at an anti-trans rally and at the Adelaide Holocaust Museum.

He also attended court as a supporter of the NSN’s leader, Patrick Sewell, during his trial for attacking a Victorian security guard.

In court on Friday, Mr Bull said he planned “to remain self-represented”.

“Well, basically, I think it’s ridiculous I was arrested, put in solitary confinement and charged for having sunglasses and a hat,” he said.

“May I say, the police that arrested me were wearing hats and sunglasses.”

Mr Clover excused Mr Bull’s non-attendance and asked if he wanted to appear by phone link at his next court date.

A second voice, not belonging to Mr Bull, could then be heard over the audio link saying “video conference”, which the alleged neo-Nazi then repeated.

Mr Clover agreed and adjourned the case until next month.

Originally published as Alleged National Socialist Network member Nathan Bull fires lawyer over Australia Day protest case, complains charges aren’t dropped