Topless Extinction Rebellion protesters accused of vandalising Sydney building

Two topless protesters who allegedly stormed a building in Sydney’s CBD and caused a scene with glue and spray paint have fronted court.

Five topless Extinction Rebellion protesters have been charged, accused of storming a building in Sydney’s CBD before spraying paint inside and attempting to glue themselves to the windows.

Two of the activists, Deanna Maree Coco and Andrew George, were granted bail at Central Local Court on Wednesday following their arrest in the midst of a demonstration against the controversial Narrabri gas project at the Independent Planning Commission’s office.

Police will allege they were part of the group that entered the lobby at 201 Elizabeth St about 1.30pm Tuesday and were told to leave by a security guard but refused.

Officers arrived and issued a move-on order to the group but it will be alleged five people, including 31-year-old Mr George, Ms Coco, 29, and three other women aged 48, 60 and 70, failed to do so.

Topless Extinction Rebellion protesters stormed the lobby of a commercial building on Elizabeth St, armed with spray paint bottles. Picture: Facebook

Police have charged five protesters. Picture: Toby Zerna

Footage shows members of the group holding up signs including ‘No Gas’ and pressing their painted bodies against the window of the building.

It will be alleged in court Ms Coco, from Blacktown, and Melbourne man Mr George used spray paint to write the words ‘Independent Planning Commission’ in white on the tall glass windows - before striking out the word ‘Independent’ with yellow paint.

The group painted their bodies and faces to represent the horrific bushfires of 2019/20, and wore face masks during the protest.

Andrew George, of Victoria, before the protest. Picture: Supplied

Five protesters were arrested and taken to Surry Hills police station where Ms Coco was charged with two counts of destroying or damaging property, remaining on prescribed premises without a lawful excuse, and wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school.

The 48-year-old Mittagong woman was charged with destroying or damaging property, remaining on prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school.

The 60-year-old Wingham woman and 70-year-old Mittagong woman were both charged with remaining on prescribed premises without lawful excuse and wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school.

Deanna Maree Coco faced court on Wednesday. Picture: Toby Zerna

Members of the group allegedly attempted to glue themselves to the windows. Picture: Facebook

Mr George, from Pascoe Vale South in Victoria, was charged with two counts of malicious damage and remaining on prescribed premises without lawful excuse.

He and Ms Coco were held in custody overnight before being granted bail in court on Wednesday morning.

Under bail conditions they must report to Marrickville police station once per week and not go within 5m of 201 Elizabeth St, Sydney.

They will return to Central Local Court on October 21 to enter pleas.

The others were granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court in November.