Melbourne, Australia – Victorian prosecutors are pushing for harsher penalties for two neo-Nazis involved in a violent attack on hikers in Cathedral Range State Park in regional Victoria in 2021. Thomas Sewell and Jacob Hersant, part of a group of far-right nationalists, engaged in a disturbing group assault on six innocent hikers, leading to calls for their imprisonment by prosecutors.
Last year, Sewell and Hersant admitted to violent disorder after being part of a gang of 25 men who terrorized the hikers with masks and knives, damaging their property and causing them to flee. Despite pleas for a tougher sentence, County Court judge Kellie Blair opted not to impose additional jail time on the pair. The Director of Public Prosecutions is now appealing this decision, believing that the seriousness of the offense warrants stricter punishment.
During the recent Court of Appeal hearing, Chief Crown prosecutor Brendan Kissane KC emphasized the fear and trauma inflicted on the victims, advocating for a more severe sentence. Despite spending time in custody prior to the sentencing, Sewell, 31, was only handed a brief prison term for violent disorder, while Hersant, 25, was ordered to complete community work.
The defense argued that the appeal against Sewell’s sentence was unwarranted, highlighting his guilty plea and the avoidance of a lengthy trial as factors deserving of leniency. Both Sewell and Hersant, who sat quietly in court with their legal teams, have been criticized for showing no remorse for their actions, raising concerns about the potential for future violent behavior.
As the Court of Appeal justices deliberate on the case, the community awaits a decision on whether the sentence will be adjusted to reflect the gravity of the crime. The legal battle highlights the ongoing debate around violent disorder laws introduced by the former Andrews Government in 2017, aiming to address gang-related crimes with severe penalties.
The outcome of the appeal will not only impact Sewell and Hersant but also serve as a reminder of the consequences of extremist actions in society. The quest for justice underscores the importance of accountability and the need to uphold the rule of law in the face of violent behavior.