Jacob Hersant, Nathan Bull and Michael Nelson: Trio to plead not guilty to Anzac Day disturbance charges

Three men accused of behaving offensively at an Anzac Day Dawn Service have revealed plans to fight the charges.

Three men accused of behaving offensively and causing a disturbance at Melbourne’s Anzac Day Dawn Service have revealed plans to fight the charges.

Jacob Hersant, Nathan Bull and Michael Nelson, each associated with the neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network (NSN), appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court for the first time after police laid charges against the trio in September.
It is alleged each of the men were among a small group that disrupted the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25.

Cameras captured individuals booing the Welcome to Country. Picture: Sky News

The alleged offences occurred during the Dawn Service. Picture: NewsWire/ Nadir Kinani

During the Dawn Service, a Welcome to Country by Bunurong man Uncle Mark Brown was heckled with boos while 50,000 people were in attendance.

Mr Hersant, a prominent figure and leader of the NSN, was later escorted from the area by police.

They have each been charged with behaving in an offensive manner while in a public place, offend against decency while in the Shrine of Remembrance reserve and taking part in a disturbance in the reserve.

Jacob Hersant (centre) is a self-described neo-Nazi. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Powick

During a brief hearing before magistrate Brett Sonnet on Monday, each was asked what they intended to do with the charges.

Mr Bull told the court that he’d spoken with his lawyer, who’d instructed him to seek an adjournment to Thursday, where he is facing separate allegations he performed a banned Nazi gesture.

“I have another case on Thursday, same court,” he said.

Mr Sonnet asked each of the men whether they intended to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges.

In turn, each responded “not guilty”.

Nathan Bull has been present at high-profile NSN events. Picture: NewsWire

Michael Nelson is associated with the group. Picture: NewsWire

The prosecutor did not oppose the request to adjourn and suggested bringing the case back for a mention to determine next steps.

She told the court that prosecutors would intend to call at least 13 witnesses, a mix of civilians and police.

Mr Bull told the court he had a lawyer, Mr Hersant said he would apply for legal aid, while Mr Nelson said he was not eligible for legal aid and would self-represent.

Mr Sonnet adjourned the matters for the three men to Thursday.

Originally published as Jacob Hersant, Nathan Bull and Michael Nelson: Trio to plead not guilty to Anzac Day disturbance charges