Adam Jon Hill banned from Lismore court after refusing to wear a mask

Court staff have been working around the clock to ensure justice continues during the pandemic. But one defendant has learnt the cost of not co-operating with the rules.

Adam Jon Hill was supposed to front Lismore District Court on Monday, July 26 for a District Court Appeal mention but refused to wear a mask. / Photo: Istock/wildpixel

A Northern Rivers man whose matters were heard before Lismore District Court has been given a stern warning about the repercussions of not obeying public health orders and mandated mask wearing.

Adam Jon Hill was supposed to front Lismore District Court on Monday, July 26 for a District Court appeal mention.

The appeal relates to a sentence made by Magistrate Geoffrey Dunlevy on May 18, 2021 at Tweed Heads Local Court.

During that sentence, Mr Hill was convicted of three speeding charges, caught by a speed camera.

He was also ordered to pay a $1000 fine.

However, as he was due to be mentioned on Monday, the court heard Mr Hill ‒ who was unrepresented ‒ had arrived at the courthouse, refusing to wear a mask.

Judge Jeffery McLennan told the crown prosecutor they would not have an “opponent” in the mention as Mr Hill would not be allowed to enter.

“Mr Hill declined to wear a mask, consequently he was refused entry in the court premises,” he said.

“Consequently, he will not be having a say as to when the DC appeal is listed.”

Judge McLennan adjourned the matter to September 29 and told the court Mr Hill would be made aware of the date via correspondence from the court registry.

“I urge the registry to stress to Mr Hill that a requirement of entry to court is to wear a mask,” he said.

“He must wear a mask, if he chooses not to wear a mask, it will be taken as an indication by him that he doesn’t wish for this conviction appeal to proceed.”

The matter was adjourned for September 29 mention in Lismore District Court.

Mask wearing is currently a Public Health Order, meaning residents must wear a fitted face covering at all times when in an indoor area.
Penalties of $200 apply for not wearing a mask.

If a person refuses to wear a face mask at a premise, the occupier of the premises may refuse entry to that person.