Redbank woman arrested in Gympie court for contempt

‘Do not place your hands on me’: A 44-year-old woman facing a minor traffic charge in the Gympie court on Thursday wound up in the dock and then in the watchhouse charged with contempt of court because of her extraordinary behaviour.

Natalie Ann Sweeney was arrested inside a Gympie courtroom and charged with contempt of court on Thursday, after she refused to comply with the magistrate or police.

A 44-year-old Redbank woman was arrested inside a Gympie courtroom and charged with contempt of court on Thursday, after she refused to comply with the magistrate or police.

Natalie Ann Sweeney had fronted Gympie Magistrates Court to answer a charge of failing to stop at the line for a red arrow on August 30, 2020.

When Ms Sweeney, who represented herself in the court, was called to the bar table by police prosecutor Melissa Campbell, she brought a number of documents and refused to answer Magistrate Chris Callaghan’s questions, instead saying “just need a minute, I won’t be a moment”.

Sergeant Campbell tried to continue with the proceedings while Ms Sweeney prepared herself, but Ms Sweeney interrupted.

“We will get to that, your honour,” said Ms Sweeney.

Mr Callaghan told her to return to her seat in the back of the courtroom, but she refused, stating she was “a living woman” and that she did “not consent to a contract of joinder and waved the benefits on offer”.

Mr Callaghan asked Ms Sweeney what she intended to do with the traffic charge.

“There is no claim, this is unlawful your honour. I am not a corporation,” she replied.

Mr Callaghan said he would enter a plea of not guilty on Ms Sweeney’s behalf, but she interrupted him to say she did not enter a plea.

When she tried to speak over Mr Callaghan again, Sgt Campbell stepped in and tried to move Ms Sweeney into the dock on the other side of the courtroom.

She refused, saying she was leaving the courtroom before arguing with Sgt Campbell.

“Do not place your hands on me,” she said.

Sgt Campbell then told Ms Sweeney she was under arrest, at which point Ms Sweeney tried to move towards the magistrate. Sgt Campbell then forcibly moved her into the dock.

She was ordered to be taken into custody at the Gympie watch house, where Mr Callaghan said she would be charged with contempt of court.