Melbourne, Victoria – Prosecutors in Victoria are pushing for two neo-Nazis to face jail time for a violent attack on hikers in Cathedral Range State Park. Thomas Sewell and Jacob Hersant were involved in an assault on six individuals in 2021 but were not given further jail sentences, leading to an appeal against the initial ruling by County Court judge Kellie Blair.
The attack, carried out by 25 men, saw some individuals wearing masks and wielding knives, causing damage to the hikers’ vehicle and forcing them to flee. The severity of the incident was emphasized by Chief Crown prosecutor Brendan Kissane KC, who highlighted the terror experienced by the innocent victims during the assault.
Sewell, who spent 210 days in custody before his release prior to the trial, was sentenced to 37 days in prison for violent disorder. Judge Blair cited his previous time served as a sufficient punishment. Hersant, on the other hand, was not given additional prison time but was ordered to perform 200 hours of community work.
The prosecution argued that the penalties were inadequate, and there was a risk of violent re-offending as both men showed no remorse for their actions. Despite both defendants pleading guilty, they failed to acknowledge their wrongdoing according to the prosecution.
The introduction of violent disorder laws in 2017 aimed to target violent street gangs but has since been used in various cases, including the prosecution of Sewell and Hersant. The defense, however, argued that the appeal against Sewell was unwarranted, as he did not wear a mask or brandish a weapon during the attack.
The hearing before the Court of Appeal has brought Sewell and Hersant back to court, with supporters present for both defendants. The case continues to unfold, with Hersant facing separate charges related to a Nazi salute gesture made after a previous court appearance. The defendants’ history of involvement in violent incidents prior to the Cathedral Ranges attack has also been brought into light during the proceedings.