Ross Pearce: Lismore man on Covid mask charge questions charge

A Lismore man has learnt his fate after being nabbed for not wearing a mask inside a popular shopping centre, despite carrying what he said was a valid exemption.

A Lismore man has had a Covid charge withdrawn after being nabbed for not wearing a mask inside a popular Lismore shopping centre.

Ross Andrew Pearce, 61, represented himself when pleaded guilty in Lismore Local Court on Monday to not wearing a face covering.

But he said there were mitigating circumstances to address upon his plea, including the fact he had a medical exemption which was tendered to the court.

Mr Pearce said he had been in the Telstra store inside Lismore Square on August 5 for about 20 minutes and had shown his exemption to the staff to enter, before an issue arose.

Pearce said on a complaint from a customer, a manager told him to leave and Pearce told the court they said “I don’t care” in regards to his exemption before calling security.

When police arrived, Pearce said he was treated with “absolute contempt” despite trying to explain his exemption.

Pearce claimed one of the two officers put his hand on his gun during their interaction.

“He whispered to me I was a smart arse,” Pearce told the court.

“Yes I’m smart but not an arse.

“They basically berated me in front of everybody.”

Pearce said he had since written to Lismore police and State Penalties Enforcement Registry regarding the charges to no avail.

Magistrate Jeff Linden took into account Pearce’s exemption and dismissed the charge.