River Williams: alleged Old Parliament House arsonist bailed

The partner of a man charged with arson relating to the Old Parliament House fire had a bizarre outburst at the ACT Magistrates Court. Read on to find out what she said.

The partner of a man charged with arson over last year’s Old Parliament House fire has had a bizarre outburst during a bail proceeding.

River Williams appeared at the ACT Magistrates Court via telephone from the Alexander Maconochie Centre on Monday charged with arson, assaulting a frontline community service provider, obstructing a territory public official, resisting a territory official and failing to appear for a bail undertaking.

Mr Williams did not let the Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker finish listing out the charges before interjecting.

“I don’t stand under your law,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s a dead entity.”

After he was referred to as River Williams the defendant responded and said “My name isn’t River it is Goodjingarn.”

The defendant was muted and the prosecutor told the court they would oppose bail due to concerns about the defendant failing to reappear.

River Williams was allegedly involved in a fire at Old Parliament House which occured on December 30 last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Williams told the court he had epilepsy and recently suffered a seizure and did not have a good memory.

Ms Walker said she wanted to adjourn the hearing to give Mr Williams an opportunity to seek legal advice.

A woman in the court who identified herself as Mr William’s partner interrupted the magistrate and said “his legal representation is right here” gesturing to a man sitting next to her.

“For 48 hours they’ve lied about his whereabouts,” she said.

At this time a legal aid lawyer moved to the bar table and was prepared to speak with Mr Williams when the court adjourned.

The same woman approached the lawyer and said “we did not give you consent to be here”.

“You will all be held to account” she said as she left the courtroom.

River Williams who was allegedly involved in a fire that broke out at Old Parliament House last year will fight all charges against him. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Williams bail application resumed in the afternoon where he indicated pleas of not guilty to all charges laid against him.

Ms Walker granted Mr Williams bail with the conditions he live at a fixed address, report to police once weekly and only visit Canberra if he had a court date or legal appointment.

Mr Williams told the court he would speak to a family friend for legal advice as soon as he was released from prison.

“I know you have ideas about the justice system but I strongly advise you get legal advice,” Ms Walker said.

Protesters, who had been demonstrating outside the ACT Law Courts throughout the day, cheered and celebrated after they heard their comrade had been granted bail.

Mr Williams will appear again on June 6 for a pre hearing mention.