Police withdraw forest protest charges against NBN journalist Alison Paul at Coffs Harbour court

All charges against a prominent Coffs news reporter have been dumped after she flagged a court fight, and said she suffered “a number of injuries” during her arrest.

Charges against NBN Coffs Harbour journalist Alison Paul have now been withdrawn. She planned to fight the charges, but that was not needed in the end. Picture: Chris Knight

NBN television journalist Alison Paul planned to contest charges stemming from an anti-logging protest in the Orara East State Forest – but in the end she didn’t have to.

The prosecution withdrew two charges against Ms Paul at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday.

Ms Paul, 49, of Coffs Harbour was at Coffs Harbour Court House earlier in the day, but not present when her case was mentioned and took a dramatic turn.

Protesters 'lock on' to a harvester at the Orara East State Forest in June. Picture: Bellingen Activists' Network

The allegations against Ms Paul stemmed from an anti-logging protest in the Orara East State Forest.

She spoke outside court in early August and said a family member was in the area when the protest was taking place on July 5

Ms Paul pleaded not guilty and said she went to support family – not as a journalist or protester.

A protest sign in the forest.

“I was present at Orara East State Forest on Tuesday, 5th July after receiving information that (a family member) was caught up in a protest against logging,” she said.

Ms Paul spoke of a “miscommunication” with police, said she suffered “a number of injuries” and that she was “extremely disappointed”.

An elaborate network of ropes blocking the entrance to Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour in June. The forest has been a hotbed of protest activity.

On Wednesday, police prosecutor Heidi Warren told the court she sought to withdraw the charges – hindering or resisting police and failing to comply with a request made by police.

Earlier, Ms Paul said her lawyer was making representations to police to have the charges thrown out.

Magistrate Peter Barnett dismissed both charges.

Originally published as Police withdraw forest protest charges against NBN journalist Alison Paul at Coffs Harbour court