A loitering charge against Thomas Sewell, a prominent member of the National Socialist Network, has been dismissed following a march through the Adelaide Central Business District (CBD) on Australia Day. The decision was made during a telephone appearance in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The charge was among several faced by Sewell and 16 other members of the group who were arrested during the Australia Day long weekend this year. Although the loitering charge has been dropped, Sewell previously faced accusations related to displaying a Nazi symbol.
During the court session, defense counsel Matthew Hopkins described the loitering charge as “appropriately described as selective enforcement.” He argued that his client participated in a “peaceful assembly” and claimed that the prosecution represented a politically motivated effort to disrupt their activities.
Sewell also appeared in court for the first time on a separate charge related to breaching bail on May 16 in Hindmarsh, a suburb in Adelaide’s western region. Hopkins informed the court that they intended to seek reimbursement for legal fees exceeding $2,000 from the prosecution. He expressed that they had not had adequate time to prepare a comprehensive argument and had attempted to negotiate in good faith with the prosecution.
The court has scheduled a follow-up appearance for September regarding the request for costs. The breach of bail matter is set to be revisited next month, as legal proceedings continue for Sewell and his associates.
