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The scene was one of violence as men clad in black allegedly restrained and assaulted individuals at an Indigenous camp. The aggressive encounter reportedly left three people injured, including a woman who suffered a scalp wound severe enough to require staples, according to earlier court statements.
In a recent court appearance, defendants Tom Sewell, Nathan Bull, Timothy Holger Lutze, Augustus Coolie Hartigan, Ryan Williams, and Blake Cathcart sought to have their cases postponed until March. Sewell’s attorney, Mathew Hopkins, explained to the court that ongoing discussions with the prosecution were aimed at reaching a resolution, necessitating additional time.
While Hopkins highlighted that there remain disputes over the facts of the case, the prosecutor indicated that the charges themselves might not be contested. This nuanced legal situation leaves room for further developments as both sides continue their negotiations.
Sewell’s lawyer Mathew Hopkins told the court he was in “resolution discussions” with the prosecution and they needed some time.
Hopkins said the facts of the case were still in dispute but the prosecutor confirmed the charges were “not necessarily in issue”.
Outside court, Sewell told reporters the allegation the attack was unprovoked was disputed.
“If we can agree to the facts, then I’m happy to do what’s needed to be done,” he said.
“This idea that I just walk around the street punching people for no reason… that’s just a lie.”
Three of the accused – Zack Steven Dewaard, Billy Conheady and Haymish Busscher – formally pleaded not guilty to charges including violent disorder and affray.
They will each face trial in the Victorian County Court, with an initial directions hearing listed for March.
The other accused – Jake Crockett, Michael Nelson, Yan Zakharin and Michael Saarinen – will fight the allegations at a magistrates court committal hearing in May.
Jaeden Johnson was the only one to admit offending, pleading guilty to charges of violent disorder, assault by kicking and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
He will face a plea hearing in the County Court in August.
Outside court, a member of the public confronted Sewell over his views and called him a racist.
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