Cops arrest man for allegedly blocking entrance of Brisbane court

After dozens of protesters disrupted traffic in Brisbane’s CBD early yesterday, another allegedly tried to block the entrance of a court where two of his mates were appearing. But unlike recent gluey stand-offs, he came unstuck pretty quickly.

IT was a sight to make thousands of frustrated commuters smile, seeing a protester forcibly removed from outside a courthouse and thrown in a paddy wagon.

Serial protester Eric Herbert yesterday allegedly obstructed the entrance of Brisbane Magistrates Court, where his two fellow activists were appearing on public nuisance and obstructing police charges.

He allegedly refused security directions to move and had to be carried from the doorway and into police custody.

Extinction Rebellion spokesman and environmental activist Eric Herbert outside the arrest court.

Herbert, 20, was charged with refusing a move-on ­notice from police, he was ­refused bail and is scheduled to appear in the same court this morning.

It came after more scenes of chaos throughout the Brisbane CBD yesterday, as protesters shut down main streets during morning peak hour.

About 40 members of activist group, Extinction Rebellion, swarmed the streets of Brisbane City from 8am, blocking intersections for 10 minute rotations.

The group held banners saying “Sorry we’ll be 10 ­minutes” and another saying “There is no future on a dead planet”.

Protesters questioned by police for trying to block the entrance way.

Furious motorists honked and screamed “Get a job”, with many late for daycare drop-offs, work and appointments.

Protesters have vowed there will be demonstrations daily in the CBD next week, saying they will disrupt until the Government listens.

A spokesman for the activist group Sergeio, who refused to give his last name, said that they were protesting against Government inaction on ­climate change.

“On August 6 thousands of people will be taking to the streets to demand the Government take serious action on climate change, this will mean disruptions, this will mean people personally sacrificing things,” he said.

Police officers take Herbert to the paddy wagon.

“I plan on getting arrested and possibly going to jail, and I know there are dozens of other people that also plan on doing that.”

Inspector Steve Collins said officers were gearing up for next week.

He said taking part in an unauthorised march was not an offence, but said offences could occur separate to the march.

In Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, two Extinction Rebellion protesters who blocked traffic on the Victoria Bridge with a canoe last month were given 12-month good behaviour

Police officers prepare to put Herbert in the back of a police vehicle.

bonds and warned not to offend again.

Lily Smith, 23, and Isabelle Harland, 23, both from northern NSW, pleaded guilty to public nuisance and obstructing police on June 27.

Magistrate Payne warned the two, who are both on Newstart allowance and studying, that the $1500 fine they would receive if they offended again was “a guillotine above their heads”.