A Lockyer Valley person claiming to be a ‘sovereign citizen’ has been fined for refusing to wear a face mask

A Lockyer Valley person claiming to be a sovereign citizen has refused police direction to put on a face mask.

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski speaks during a Covid update press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

A Lockyer Valley resident claimed they were a ‘sovereign citizen’ when police issued them repeated warnings to wear a face mask before finally receiving a hefty fine for non-compliance.

During Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Thursday morning coronavirus press conference, deputy police commissioner Steve Gollschewskisaid two people were fined on Wednesday.

“There was one person claiming to be a sovereign citizen in the Lockyer Valley who despite repeated warnings refused to wear a mask,” he said.

Queensland police confirmed a 36-year-old man was issued an infringement notice for failing to comply with public health directions.

The incident occurred at 11.30am on Wednesday at Railway Street.

The man was fined $206 - the state’s penalty for refusing to wear a face mask without a lawful reason or excuse.

Another person at Dalby, despite being given several directions, continued to spit at police and was also fined.

Deputy commissioner Gollschewski said another 204 masks were handed out yesterday, bringing the total since restrictions came into effect to 1149.

“We are still seeing a number of people not wearing masks in our community,” he said.

“The message goes out there to people – please carry and wear your mask.”

At Queensland’s borders, 2000 people were intercepted with no travellers turned around.

And in the domestic airport, 1109 people came into Queensland with one refused entry and 16 put into hotel quarantine.