Support worker Matthew Charles Willes learns penalty in court after forestry protest

A high school education support worker has had a conviction recorded after chaining himself to logging equipment and refusing to leave.

A high school education support worker has had a conviction recorded after chaining himself to logging equipment and refusing to leave.

Matthew Charles Willes, 27, appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to one count of trespass.

Magistrate Robert Webster said Willes was one of perhaps ten protesters at a Sustainable Timbers Tasmania site at Wentworth State Forest in April.

STT contacted police, who arrived more than three hours later.

Matt Willes, West Hobart. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“You were identified being chained to the logging excavator,” Mr Webster said.

“People were told that if they didn’t (leave), they would be charged with trespass.

The group complied, but Willes stayed, only agreeing to leave with police some time later.

Defence lawyer Richard Griggs asked for Willes to receive good behaviour instead of having a conviction recorded.

Mr Griggs said Willes worked with special needs children at a high school in Hobart and said a conviction might “jeopardise” his approval to work with vulnerable children.

Hobart Magistrates Court, Liverpool St. Picture: Richard Jupe, NCA NewsWire.

But Mr Webster said such a punishment would be a backwards step, with Willes avoiding a conviction for two prior trespass charges in February and March last year.

“You’re asking me to give a lesser penalty than what he’s gotten before,” Mr Webster said.

To Willes, Mr Webster said the previous penalties “had no real effect on your behaviour”.

“I’m going to record a conviction, I’m going to fine you the sum of $500 plus the cost of $69.30,” Mr Webster said.

“I also make an order for disposal of the chain and padlock.”

Originally published as Support worker Matthew Charles Willes learns penalty in court after forestry protest