NSW alleged anti-lockdown, border protesters front Tweed Heads court

Six people allegedly involved in the protests at the Queensland and NSW border in August have appeared in court on various charges.

Six people allegedly involved in the protests at the Queensland and NSW border on August 22 have been mentioned in Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday.

They face various charges including assault police officer in execution of duty, resist an officer in execution of duty, hinder police officer in execution of duty, possess prohibited drug, unlawfully participate in outdoor gathering in a stay at home area and not comply with noticed Covid-19 direction.

Rachel Jean Buckley

Rebecca Jean Buckley, 36, faces charges of not complying with Covid-19 noticed direction and resisting or hindering a police officer in the execution of duty.

No pleas have been entered.

Defence lawyer Amanda Fawaz asked the court for an adjournment to allow for further material to be released by the police.

The case was adjourned to October 5 where a plea must be entered. Ms Buckley is on bail.

Shane Kevin Wilson

Shane Kevin Wilson, 49, appeared in court not wearing a mask, handing up a medical exemption letter.

Self-represented, he pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawfully participate in an outdoor gathering in a stay at home area and refuse or fail to comply with a police direction.

Police prosecutor Chris Martin told the court a brief of evidence would not be required for this matter.

He said the police had three witnesses for hearing and Mr Wilson said he would also be using the police witnesses.

The matter was adjourned for hearing in Murwillumbah Local Court on May 12, 2022. Mr Wilson is on bail.

Maree Engvig

Maree Engvig outside Tweed Heads Court.

Maree Engvig appeared in court without a face mask.

She entered not guilty pleas to three counts of resisting or hindering a police officer in the execution of duty.

The 52-year-old told the court she had her own evidence but requested a copy of the police footage.

A brief of evidence was ordered to be served on October 18.

The matter will next be before the court on November 8. Ms Engvig remains on bail.

Elise Leearn Engvig

Elise Leearn Engvig leaving Tweed Heads court.

Elise Leearn Engvig, 30, entered not guilty pleas to charges of assaulting police, possession of a prohibited drug and breaching stay at home orders and participate in unlawful public gathering.

Ms Engvig conceded the substance found on her person was cannabis oil which she said was used when her partner had seizures, however maintained her not guilty plea.

A brief of evidence was ordered for the case to be served on October 18.

The matter was adjourned to November 8. Ms Engvig is on bail.

River Bindi Goodjingarn Williams

River Bindi Goodjingarn Williams, 27, faces charges of resisting or hindering a police officer in the execution of duty and possessing a prohibited drug.

Mr Williams did not appear as he was excluded from the court due to being sick.

His matter was adjourned to October 5. Mr Williams remains on bail.

Derek Mason

Derek Mason, 64, has entered pleas of not guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer, unlawfully participate in an outdoor gathering in a stay at home area and resisting or hindering a police officer in the execution of duty.

A brief of evidence was ordered to be served by October 18.

Defence lawyer Cameron Bell asked the court to review a bail condition that Mr Mason could not enter NSW except for court as his doctor was in Tweed Heads.

However Magistrate Michael Dakin reviewed the signed bail and said this was not a condition. Instead the condition was Mr Mason could not attend protests in NSW.

His matter is next before the court on November 8.