Andrew McEwen-Reynolds found guilty of illegal fishing after fanatical courtroom shouting match
A sovereign citizen facing illegal fishing charges has shouted down a magistrate and proclaimed himself “king of the court” in a bizarre outburst.
South East
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A Clarinda sovereign citizen busted fishing illegally in the Sandringham Anchorage has shouted over a magistrate, accused her of fraud and claimed himself to be “the king of the court”.
Andrew McEwen-Reynolds, 52, fronted the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 1, facing charges including fishing without a licence and hindering a police investigation.
The court heard McEwen-Reynolds was seen fishing by two officers from the Victorian Fisheries Authority in August 2023 at the Sandringham Anchorage rock wall.
When the officers approached McEwen-Reynolds, he told them he “hadn’t caught any fish” and began refusing to engage in conversation, telling the officers their “role is rubbish”.
McEwen-Reynolds packed up his fishing equipment and began walking away from the officers as they continued to ask questions.
He refused to give his name and address or to show his fishing licence, despite being given multiple opportunities to do so.
The officers followed McEwen-Reynolds for 2.85km along the Sandringham coast line before police were called to assist.
He continued to refuse to give his name and address until police threatened to handcuff him.
Investigators found McEwen-Reynolds had never held a fishing licence.
A letter sent to McEwen-Reynolds in September was returned to the Victorian Fishing Authority with a handwritten note on the envelope saying “Return to sender. I do not recognise you. I do not have an international treaty with you. No assured value. No Liability”.
On Tuesday, McEwen-Reynolds was uncooperative with Magistrate Angela Bolger and the prosecutor, shouting and disrupting the court.
Continuously yelling “I object” over the proceeding, McEwen-Reynolds’ outbursts included accusing Ms Bolger of fraud.
“I’m not finished yet,” he shouted.
“You’ve not authorised your jurisdiction over me — I’m king of the court, I now dismiss this case.”
“I accuse you of fraud.”
McEwen-Reynolds was fined $1200 with conviction.
