By Coco Veldkamp, ABC
Thomas Sewell faces a string of charges over an incident at Camp Sovereignty over the weekend. Photo: ABC News: Justin Hewitson
Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell's application to adjourn an upcoming court matter has been rejected by a Victorian court, but he will be given access to Adolf Hitler's manifesto as he prepares his case.
NZ-born Sewell is charged with one count of behaving in an offensive manner in a public area, after allegedly leading about 30 people shouting white supremacist slogans through Eureka Stockade Memorial Park in 2023.
He previously indicated he would plead not guilty to the charge, with a contested hearing on the matter due to start on Monday.
The 32-year-old, who is currently in custody, appeared via video link at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Friday.
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, after previously stating he would represent himself.
He also argued he had not had sufficient access to evidence to prepare his case.
Sewell told the court that his copy of Mein Kampf - a political manifesto written by Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler - had been confiscated, but that he required it as part of his preparations for the 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 on Thursday.
The court heard Sewell had not had access to a CD-compatible laptop, which he would need to prepare his case.
Magistrate Ronald Saines said he would direct the Deputy Commission of Corrections to allow Sewell access to a CD-compatible laptop and his copy of Mein Kampf until the completion of his hearing.
Sewell also said his partner had read his emails, as he was unable to, and received notice of further charges against him relating to his appearances at rallies occurring after the march in Ballarat in 2023.
The adjournment application was refused, and the case will proceed as scheduled on Monday.
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.
He advised that if Sewell wanted legal representation, this could still be organised before Monday's hearing.
Magistrate Saines said the case had been with the court system for a long time and would go ahead on Monday as planned.
- ABC
