Man charged after woman struck by horse at Clermont

The horseman who terrified anti-Adani protesters at a rally has broken down in a court as he appeared on serious charges including one of the dangerous operation of a vehicle.

THE horseman who terrified anti-Adani protesters at Clermont yesterday broke down in a Mackay Magistrates Court this afternoon as he appeared on serious charges including one of the dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Clinton McDonald, 41, who drives coal trucks, became emotional as Magistrate Athol Kennedy warned him not to make any contact with Green protesters who may still be at the Clermont showgrounds.

McDonald assured Mr Kennedy he would not go near the showgrounds and, shaking his head and beginning to weep, added: “I don’t want to go into town.’’

McDonald frightened anti-mine protesters shortly before 4pm yesterday when he appeared at the Clermont showgrounds on a horse and galloped around crying out “yahoo’’.

A woman was injured during the incident, possibly struck by a gate which the horse had hit, but no details of the matter were heard in the court hearing.

McDonald, who had been in custody, appeared in the court shortly after 12.30pm in a green sweater and remained subdued for the first part of the hearings.

But he readily answered questions from Mr Kennedy.

Asked how he intended getting back to Clermont — more than three hours’ drive away — he said: “I might be able to get my boss to drive me.

“He lives in Mackay.’’

McDonald indicated he needed to get back to Clermont for work reasons.

“They may want me to cart coal tomorrow.’’

He was not required to enter a plea and was bailed to appear again in Clermont Magistrates Court on August 22.