Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon has been charged with assault and stalking after an alleged domestic violence incident at a home in Byron Bay.
Police said they attended an address at The Pocket, a suburb of the North Coast NSW town, last Thursday and were told a man had allegedly assaulted a woman known to him before fleeing. There were no reports of injuries.
Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon.Credit: Danielle Smith
Lyon was arrested at Tweed Heads police station the next day, and charged with common assault, and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm (domestic violence).
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on August 19, when the police will also seek an apprehended violence order against him.
Lyon, who is the top of the Byron Independents ticket for local elections in September, is now reconsidering whether he will run again for mayor.
“At the heart of this matter is a misunderstanding that I hope will be cleared up as quickly as possible so that my name can be cleared and that my family can move back out of the public eye and receive the love and attention they need,” Lyon posted on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.
“I abhor violence in all its forms and respect the need for the strong processes that are in place to protect the safety of people in the home.”
Two of Lyon’s four running mates – Mark Swivel and Meredith Wray – have pulled their names off his ticket this week.
Lyon said in his post on Facebook that the Byron Independents might not run a group at the elections.
Swivel, who is already a serving councillor, announced he was withdrawing from the Byron Independents ticket on Wednesday morning.
“The mayor is good at his job, works hard and I hoped to run with Michael, in good faith,” he posted on Facebook. “I wish him, Suzi his wife and the children well.
“Any political campaign requires total focus. Recent events now make that impossible. Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing. Everyone is entitled to be safe in their home.”
Swivel is still considering whether he will run for re-election separately.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. The men’s referral service is on 1300 766 491.
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