Neo-Nazis’ sentences over attack on hikers don’t reflect level of violence, Victorian prosecutor tells court

Prosecutors are pushing for more jail time for two neo-Nazi leaders who attacked a group of hikers in a national park, arguing their original sentences were manifestly inadequate.

Sewell received a 37-day jail term, reckoned as time served, while Hersant was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work over 14 months.

Victoria’s director of public prosecutions launched an appeal of their sentences, with the chief crown prosecutor, Brendan Kissane, on Friday arguing they were manifestly inadequate.

Kissane told the state’s court of appeal that in her sentencing, Judge Kellie Blair had failed to recognise the “terrifying” incident was a serious example of the violent disorder offence.

Sewell and Hersant were part of a group of far-right National Socialist Network and European Australian Movement members who set upon the hikers in May 2021.

On Friday, Kissane argued the original prosecutors had pushed for a combination sentence of up to a year in jail and a community corrections order for both Sewell and Hersant.