Sewell guilty to Indigenous camp violence, disputes motive
Thomas Sewell and three others pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Camp Sovereignty in August 2025, injuring five people.
Four men, including neo-Nazi leader Sewell, pleaded guilty in the County Court on Wednesday to violent disorder. The attack happened in August 2025 at Camp Sovereignty, an Indigenous protest site in Melbourne's King's Domain.
The attack followed an anti-immigration rally. Witnesses said the men in black held down occupants before kicking and punching them, leaving five injured.
Sewell contests the facts, arguing his group was provoked. He says violence was not targeted at Aboriginal people.
His lawyer said witnesses would testify about other protesters' behaviour that sparked the incident. The four men return to court on November 9 for sentencing.
Five other men have admitted their roles; two others will contest charges at trial.
- August 2025
- When it happened
- Camp Sovereignty, King's Domain, Melbourne
- Where
- Five
- People injured
Why it mattersThe case tests whether attackers can claim provocation for storming a protest site. It will shape how courts handle political violence.
AustraliaThe outcome will influence how Australian courts and law enforcement treat far-right extremism and protection of Indigenous spaces from violent attack.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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