Lee Vivienne Pilcher fined for breaching Covid-19 restrictions during southeast Queensland lockdown

The Nambour woman had handed to the court “embarrassing” documents she’d hoped to use in her fight against the charge but they were handed back to her. Here’s why:

A Nambour woman who breached lockdown rules has been given a lesser fine by the courts than if she never had challenged the charge.

Lee Vivienne Pilcher, 66, pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 12, to failing to comply with a Covid-19 public health direction.

Police had found Pilcher at a Maroochydore home during the southeast Queensland lockdown period on August 2.

She did not have permission to be there as the region was under stay at home orders at the time due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

She was subsequently arrested for a separate matter and charged with obstructing police.

Police withdrew that charge on Tuesday after offering no further evidence.

Pilcher had previously intended to fight the failing to comply breach, having submitted to the court in September documentation titled “request for you to obey Commonwealth statute law” she had intended to use in her defence case.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist returned the “embarrassing” documentation to Pilcher on Tuesday so it wouldn’t remain on file.

The court heard Pilcher had previously been awarded an Australia Day award for her involvement in community events.

Pilcher was fined $600 and no conviction was recorded against her.

The court heard a fine for a health order breach is $1378.