Anti-5G protester found guilty for role in Byron lock-on

A protester, part of a vocal anti-5G movement, has fronted court for their actions over planned work on a telecommunications tower.

An anti-5G protester charged for their roles in a Byron Shire lock-in have walked free following their court appearances.

Samuel Ryan was charged during a July 12 Suffolk Park protest over planned work to a telecommunications tower.

He pleaded guilty to a single count of trespassing.

Police will allege a group of close to 5o Northern Rivers reisdents arrived at the Pecan Court premises on the morning of July 12 to protest.

Tweed Byron Police District Inspector Matt Kehoe confirmed Telstra subcontractors were trying to enter the council-managed site regarding “some critical infrastructure work”.

Up to nine people were arrested and charged on the day, and later released on conditional bail.

It is understood the anti-5G group created multiple GoFundMes following the event to support those arrested with legal costs.

Ryan, who posted updates of the protest to his social media accounts, appeared at Byron Bay Local Court premises for his Monday sentencing without wearing a mask and was refused entry.

However, his written plea of guilty was accepted by Magistrate Karen Stafford.

Magistrate Stafford accepted the guilty plea but did not record convictions.