Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell released on bail after alleged attack on First Nations protest camp | Melbourne

A neo-Nazi who allegedly led a violent mob attack on a First Nations protest camp in Melbourne will be released from prison after being granted bail.

Thomas Sewell, 32, hired a top lawyer to help him successfully argue he should be released in the high court after failing to apply for bail two months ago.

After 72 days in custody following his arrest before Melbourne magistrates’ court on September 2, the judge granted Sewell bail on Thursday morning after considering his application overnight.

Judge James Elliott said the prosecution had failed to prove Sewell posed an unacceptable risk to the safety of the community and there were compelling reasons to justify granting him bail.

He must comply with various conditions, including that he not speak to any of his alleged accomplices or attend the Melbourne CBD.

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Sewell is expected to be released from court after signing documents that will secure his release on $20,000 bail put forward by his fiancée.

In her previous bail application in September, Magistrate Donna Bakos found Sewell was at risk of endangering the safety of the community if released.

On Wednesday, the leader of the white nationalist group the National Socialist Network raised his right hand to photographers as he was arraigned in court.

On Thursday, he wore the NSN logo on his arm as his supporters, including his fiancée, went to court to hear whether he would be released.

He is charged with dozens of crimes related to the August 31 Sovereignty Camp attack, including violent disorder, affray, throwing a missile and assault by kicking.

Prosecutors allege Sewell said “let’s get it” as he led a group of about 30 people towards the camp at Kings Domain, a sacred site for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Prosecutor Erik Dober told the court on Wednesday that at least seven people were attacked, with one camp resident pinned to the ground and kicked and another hit with a pole, kicked and punched.

He said one person was thrown to the ground and kicked in the head, and another was hit in the head with a flagpole.

Prosecutors opposed Sewell’s release, arguing that he posed a risk to the safety of others as the leader of a group “with a history of hate crimes and acts of violence.”

Dober said Sewell could face a maximum sentence of nearly 10 years in prison for his serious role in the camp attack and his “initiating power.”

Sewell’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, argued that it was unfair for Sewell to remain in prison while the 14 defendants were released on bail.

He said the trial may not take place for two years and that the maximum 10-year sentence for violent disorder was “not within the purview” of any sentence Sewell would be given for his alleged role.

Dann said any risk Sewell posed to the community could be ameliorated by bail conditions, including being prevented from coming to central Melbourne and not contacting other defendants.

Sewell’s fiancée, Rebecca Konstantinou, put forward $20,000 bail to secure his release, saying it was funded from her own savings and “family and friends.”

Elliott agreed with the defense’s arguments in approving Sewell’s release Thursday.