Lee James Mclean,pleads guilty in Southport Magistrate Court to punching cop at QLD/NSW border protest

A struggling NSW business owner who punched a police officer twice in the face during a Covid-19 related protest has been sentenced. 

A STRUGGLING NSW business owner suffering stress from the pandemic punched a police officer twice in the face, a court was told.

Lee James McLean, 39, pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday to two counts of serious assault of a police officer causing bodily harm and one count of failing to comply with Covid-19 public health direction.

The Banora Point man punched a police officer in the face twice during a protest in Coolangatta on August 29 last year.

McLean was one of three arrested from about 100 people who had gathered at the border to oppose Covid-19 border lockdowns.

Police went to speak with McLean about a previous demonstration on July 22, 2021.

Lee James McLean (left) and his defence lawyer outside Southport Court on March 2, 2022. Picture: Jacob Miley

They alleged McLean ran but was blocked by another officer, whom he punched twice to the head. The sergeant suffered a split lip.

Police alleged the man was “actively involved in the protest” but Mclean claimed he was only in the area to see his injured mother.

The prosecution argued it was an “incredibly strong” case as it was captured on three body cam devices.

Police only became aware McLean was from NSW later at a police watchhouse.

He runs a small business in NSW and has no criminal history.

McLean claimed he was injured during the incident and alleged the police were “heavy-handed,” but the prosecution argued he was obstructive.

The court heard McLean had been seeing a psychologist before the incident for mental stress from the impact of Covid-19 on his business and issues with his mother.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert said the offending was “very serious” and wanted to “deter” similar actions in the community.

McLean was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and to pay $300 compensation.

Lee James McLean outside Southport Court on March 2, 2022. Picture: Jacob Miley

 

MAN ARRESTED AT BORDER DEMO SAYS HE WASN'T PROTESTING

August 30, 2021: A NSW business owner accused of punching a cop to the head during Covid protests claims he wasn’t actually involved in the demonstration but was visiting his mum, a court has heard.

Lee James Mclean, 39, is charged with two counts of serious assault of a police officer causing bodily harm after an altercation at Sunday’s protest at Coolangatta.

About 100 people gathered at the border – the second demonstration in as many weeks – in protest of covid-19 border lockdowns.

The Southport Magistrates Court heard on Monday during a successful bail application that police went to speak with Mclean on Sunday during the protest about a previous demonstration on July 22.

Police allege Mclean ran but was blocked by another officer, whom he punched twice to the head.

The court heard the officer involved, a sergeant, had a split lip from the assault.

Police allege the man was “actively involved in the protest” but Mclean claims he was only in the area as he was on the way to see his injured mum.

The prosecution argued it was an “incredibly strong” case as it was captured on three body cam devices.

Police arrest a man at the border protest. Picture: Supplied

Police only became aware Mclean was from NSW later at a police watch house.

He runs a small business in NSW and has no criminal history, the court heard.

Mclean claimed he was injured during the incident and alleged the police were “heavy handed” but the prosecution argued he was obstructive, the court heard.

Police are yet to determine whether the charges will be dealt with in a higher court.

During discussion about whether Mclean needed to quarantine after returning to NSW, Mclean said he hadn’t been to a hotspot.

“… I live just over the border now … I’m an Australian, I live in this border community and this is all just a bit too much, your honour,” he said, during his court appearance via telephone.

Mclean was granted bail, taking into account the likely delays in the case, despite concerns from the prosecution that he would flee the jurisdiction to avoid the charges.

He is required to comply with all health directions as part of his bail conditions.

Mclean was expected to be driven back to the NSW border by police on Monday.

The matter was adjourned to October 5.

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