A Neo-Nazi who allegedly led a violent group attack on a protest camp in Melbourne’s first nation will be released from prison after securing bail.
Thomas Sewell, 32, was hired by a leading barman to successfully argue to the Supreme Court that he should be released, after failing in a previous application for bail two months ago.
After spending 72 days in remand following his arrest outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 2 September, a verdict was given to seww piyan on Thursday night.
Justice James Elliott said the prosecution had failed that Sewell posed an unacceptable risk to the safety of the community, and there were compelling reasons to grant his release.
He must abide by a number of conditions, including that he not speak to any of his alleged co-accused or attend the Melbourne CBD.
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Sewell is expected to walk into court after signing up documentation to secure his release on a $20,000 bond his fiancee will post.
In his previous application for bail in September, Magistrate Donna Bakos found that Sewell Nameligro poses a risk to the safety of the community if he is released.
On Wednesday, the leader of the White Nationalist Grovid National Social Network raised his right hand in court photos.
On Thursday he wore the NSN Logo on his arm as his supporters, including his fiancee, attended court to find out if he would be released.
He was charged with multiple offenses in connection with the 31 August attack on Sovereignty at Camp Sober.
ALDEDURSORS SEWEGE SEWS says “Let’s gather” as he leads about 30 men into the camp of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kings.
At least seven people are said to have been attacked, with a camp occupier who was kicked and kicked and hit a pole, punched and punched, Erik Dober met the court on Wednesday.
He said one person was allegedly thrown to the ground and kicked in the head, requiring seven staples in their head, and another was hit in the head with a flagpole.
Prosecutors opposed Sewell’s release as they argued that he was a danger to the safety of others as the leader of a group that committed hate crimes and acts of violence”.
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Dober said Seelell’s role as an “Initiating Force” in the camp attack would see him jailed for the near 10-year maximum.
Sewell’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, argued it was unfair for Seell to remain locked up when only 14 had been charged.
He said a trial might not happen for two years, and the maximum 10-year term for violent disorder was not “in the realm” of any sentence Sewell would be handed for his alleged role.
Dann said any risk Sewell posed to the community could be dealt with by bail conditions, including stopping him from going to the Melbourne Centre.
Seley’s fiancee, Rebecca Konstantinu, put up a $20,000 surety to secure his release on bail, which she said was funded from her own savings and from “family and friends”.
Elliott agreed with the defense’s submissions as he approved Sewell’s release on Thursday.