‘Pretty much fell instantly’: Logger’s alleged assault of protester in logging coupe

Dramatic vision played inside a courtroom has shown the crux of a confrontation between loggers and forestry protesters in the south of Tasmania. Read what happened next >>

The aluminium platform was suspended from the cable logger 20m above the ground at the Dover logging coupe in May last year. Picture: BBF.

Dramatic footage of a confrontation between Tasmanian forestry protesters and a logging worker has been aired in the Hobart Magistrates Court as part of an alleged assault case brought against a logger.

Patrick John Mellor, 42, appeared before Magistrate Jackie Hartnett on Friday, accused of cutting or tampering with ropes suspending forestry protester Helena Griffith on top of a 20m high cable logger in the early morning of May last year.

Ms Griffith, alongside a group of 10 other protesters from the Bob Brown Foundation, was stationed within a Dover logging coupe claimed to be the habitat for the endangered Swift Parrot.

The group was met by two utes of more than seven logging contractors, who had turned up to the site for work.

The aluminium platform was suspended from the cable logger 20m above the ground at the Dover logging coupe in May last year. Picture: BBF.

A confrontation began between loggers and protesters due to the protesters preventing work on the site, as well as the sight of Ms Griffith suspended at the top of the cable logger that was stabilised by four ropes tied to four separate pieces of machinery, barring their use.

Ms Griffith gave evidence in court of the terror she felt when her hanging aluminium frame platform suddenly gave way.

“I was in my sleeping bag on the platform when I saw that the logging contractors arrived in the coupe in two tub-tray utes,” she said.

“I could only hear bits and pieces, but could tell that contractors were angered from the tone of their voice and what I could hear.

“I saw a gentleman break off from group … and made his way to the closest piece of machinery to the cable logger.

Patrick John Mellor, 42. Picture: Facebook.

“He climbed up past the height of the cabin and to the roof and where the line was attached to my lift point and I thought he was going to touch the line but as soon as I realised, I took the slack out of my climb line but pretty much fell instantly.”

Police prosecution Andrew Tye also called on fellow protester Charley Gros to recount what occurred, sharing footage and images Mr Gros had taken during and after the event.

“One of the workers walked quickly behind us and Lisa and I followed the person and explained that you can’t touch the ropes otherwise you will put Ms Griffith in danger,” he said

“He climbed quickly on the machine and got near to where the rope was fastened and had his hand on the rope.

“At that point, the rope was made insecure and was no longer attached to the machine and I immediately heard Helena screaming and could see that the platform had collapsed.”

Vision taken by Mr Gros was played in court, showing Ms Griffith screaming while other protesters also yelled at a man on machinery who stated “she’s not stupid enough to tie herself to that, surely’.

The aluminium platform was suspended from the cable logger 20m above the ground at the Dover logging coupe in May last year. Picture: BBF.

The court heard Mr Mellor previously confirmed to a police officer that he was the man in the video.

Mr Mellor’s defence lawyer stated that the low visibility of early morning meant it could be difficult for witnesses to be sure of what they were seeing.

“No evidence submitted by the prosecution that use of force by the defendant caused the platform to fall,” the lawyer said.

However, Ms Hartnett was satisfied there would be “a case to answer” with Mr Mellor’s presence next to the rope’s tie point before suddenly being disconnected.

The matter will return to court for a continuation of hearing on November 28.

Originally published as ‘Pretty much fell instantly’: Logger’s alleged assault of protester in logging coupe