Thompson Square protest – Rhiannon, Eggleton, Evans no convictions recorded

I was in Parramatta Court for a hearing today arising from a protest I participated in to save Thompson Square and heritage sites at Windsor. Our media release about what happened is below. A number of charges were withdrawn. There were some guilty pleas but no convictions were recorded. I was pleased that the police dropped the charge against me of obstruction. While I pleaded guilty to failing to obey a police direction I am proud that I stood with local residents at this protest and that no conviction was recorded.

MEDIA RELEASE

25 September 2018

Thompson Square protest – Rhiannon, Eggleton, Evans no convictions recorded

Three protesters charged after a protest to save Thompson Square and Windsor Bridge and to protect local heritage sites have had a major win with the magistrate at Parramatta Court recognising their public contribution and their right to protest.

Lee Rhiannon, Michael Eggleton and Paul Evans appeared in court today to defend their actions at the January protest aimed at stopping the demolition of the Windsor bridge, and opposing the construction of a new bridge that would destroy Thompson Square.

Lee Rhiannon said, “In relation to the protesters a number of charges were withdrawn. There were some guilty pleas but no convictions were recorded.

“I was pleased that the police dropped the charge against me of obstruction. While I pleaded guilty to failing to obey a police direction I am proud that I stood with local residents at this protest and that no conviction was recorded.

 “Our win in court today is very significant. Not only has the court recognised our right to protest but the outcome will give great encouragement to the local community to push ahead with their campaign to save Thompson Square.

“Our actions at the 8 January protest were justified because of the significance of the issues.

“The solution is to construct a by-pass to reduce traffic congestion in Windsor rather than destroy Thompson Square.

“The outcome in court was a win for the community, democracy and the right to protest,” Ms Rhiannon said.