BALLARAT, VIC. — The Ballarat Magistrates’ Court today rejected Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell’s application to adjourn an upcoming court matter. Still, he will be given access to Adolf Hitler’s manifesto, Mein Kampf, as he prepares his case.
Sewell has been charged with one count of behaving offensively in a public area, after allegedly leading about 30 people shouting white supremacist slogans through Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, Ballarat, in 2023.
He previously told the court that he would plead not guilty to the charge and represent himself in court, with a contested hearing on the matter scheduled to start on Monday.
The 32-year-old Neo-Nazi, who is currently in custody, appeared via video link at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court today.
He told the court he sought to adjourn Monday’s hearing to a later date to allow him time to seek legal advice and representation.
Sewell told the court that his copy of Mein Kampf had been confiscated, but that he required it to prepare for next week’s contested hearing.
The court heard Sewell was given access to the book on Tuesday, but said it was confiscated from him when he was transferred to a Melbourne prison yesterday.
Magistrate Ronald Saines said he would direct the Deputy Commissioner of Corrections to allow Mr Sewell access to a CD-compatible laptop and his copy of Mein Kampf until the completion of his hearing.
Magistrate Saines said Sewell “could not ask for an adjournment based on seeking legal representation three days prior to the hearing after repeatedly telling the court he would self-represent.”
The matter will now return to court on Monday.
