Thomas Sewell Denied Bail as Deportation Calls Intensify

Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell has been denied bail following a court decision that deemed him a danger to the public. The ruling comes amid increasing calls for his deportation back to New Zealand. Sewell was taken into custody after a magistrate found sufficient evidence against him regarding an alleged attack on an Indigenous protest site in Melbourne.

On Friday, September 5, 2025, Magistrate Donna Bakos presided over the case at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. She ruled against Sewell’s bail application, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges he faces, which include 25 offences such as violent disorder and affray. The court heard that Sewell led a group of approximately 30 men in an unprovoked attack on Camp Sovereignty, an Aboriginal protest site, resulting in injuries to three individuals. One woman required staples to close a wound inflicted during the incident.

Sewell’s lawyer, Mathew Hopkins, argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was weak and one-sided. Nevertheless, Magistrate Bakos noted the presence of video footage showing the alleged assaults, indicating a strong case against Sewell. She stated, “To lead and participate in an unprovoked attack … can only be viewed as extremely serious conduct.”

Previous Assaults and Legal Troubles

In addition to the recent charges, Sewell faces accusations related to an assault on August 9. During this incident, he allegedly punched and tackled a man who confronted him while Sewell was marching with his white nationalist group. While Bakos acknowledged that a defense might exist for this incident, she also highlighted the possibility of excessive force being utilized.

Sewell was on bail for an intimidation charge when the latest alleged offences occurred. He also has pending charges for behaving in an offensive manner and using offensive language during protests in both Ballarat and the Melbourne city centre. Given his prior convictions for violent disorder and affray, Bakos expressed concern that Sewell could face a significant prison term if convicted on these new charges.

“The charges for which he seeks bail are another level,” she remarked, emphasizing the potential risk he poses to community safety.

Community Reaction and Future Proceedings

The courtroom was tense, with Sewell’s supporters, dressed in black, shouting slogans as he was led away. Upon his exit, Sewell declared, “We fight for white Australia,” reflecting the controversial nature of his political ideology. Magistrate Bakos clarified that Sewell’s charges were not related to his political beliefs but rather to public safety concerns.

As a result of the decision, Sewell has been remanded in custody, with a committal mention scheduled for December 2025. He is also expected to return to court on Monday for a contested hearing over the intimidation charges. The growing public outcry surrounding his actions has further fueled discussions about his potential deportation back to New Zealand, where he holds citizenship.

Sewell’s case continues to attract significant attention, highlighting ongoing issues related to hate groups and public safety in Australia.