Anti-vaccine mandate campaigner David Cole and his family have their bail variation approved

Anti-vaccine mandate protester David Cole had his bail application approved allowing him and his family access to the Darwin CBD for all reasons but one.

ANTI-vaccine mandate protester David Cole had his bail application approved allowing him and his family access to the Darwin CBD for all reasons except to attend further rallies.

Cole, his children Niwang and T’ara Cole, and his son-in-law Rudy Matoy-Nukmtwa all appeared before the Darwin Local Court on charges relating to an anti-vaccine mandate on November 6.

That particular rally turned sour when rocks and pepper spray were exchanged between rioters and police.

The Cole’s previously appeared in court last week where they represented themselves had their case adjourned until February 21 for a directions hearing.

The court scratched two of the original bail conditions which prohibited the Cole’s from coming to the Darwin CBD for reasons other than legal or emergency.

“We’re not interested in breaking the bail to attend the rallies and speaking there, we’ve spoken enough and my truth has been spoken,” Cole previously said.

Anti-vaccine mandate campaigner David Cole and his family fronted court for the first time

ANTI-VACCINE mandate campaigner David Cole and his family fronted court for the first time since allegedly taking part in an anti-vax riot in November.

Cole, his children Niwang and T’ara Cole, and his son-in-law Rudy Matoy-Nukmtwa all appeared before the Darwin Local Court on charges relating to an anti-vaccine mandate rally that took place on November 6.

Cole has been an outspoken voice against the Covid-19 vaccine and on November 6 was involved in the anti-mandate rally that allegedly saw rocks and liquid thrown at the police.

Charges against the family included taking part in a riot, contravention of emergency declaration, disorderly behaviour in public and assault of a police officer.

Representing themselves the family’s case was adjourned until February 21 for a directions hearing.

Cole also requested a bail variation wanting further access to the CBD indicating he would not do so to attend further rallies but rather to shop.

The variation will be heard on December 21.

“We come into the city for multiple reasons, it’s our closest shopping centre and for work,” Cole said.

“We’re not interested in breaking the bail to attend the rallies and speaking there, we’ve spoken enough and my truth has been spoken.”

Anti-mandate protester allowed to attend CBD church

UPDATE FRIDAY: AN anti-vaccine mandate protester has had his bail conditions altered to allow him into the Darwin CBD to attend church on Sundays and Christmas Day.

Nickolas Nicolakis made his second appearance at the Darwin Local Court in a week over his alleged involvement in the March Against the Mandate protests on November 6.

The November 6 riot took an ugly turn when protestors fighting against the Covid-19 vaccine allegedly threw rocks and an unknown chemical at police.

Police arrested 12 people for their actions with many, including Nicolakis, entering court for the first time this week.

Nicolakis currently faces charges including taking part in a riot, contravention of emergency declaration, assaulting a member of the police force and hindering a member of the police force.

He appeared before court again on Friday and successfully had his bail terms altered to allow him to attend the Greek Orthodox Church on Cavanagh St each Sunday and on Christmas Day.

His terms mean that he will not be allowed to enter earlier than half an hour before a service and is to leave earlier than half an hour after a service.

Nicolakis has a directions hearing set for February 7.

UPDATE THURS: ANTI-MANDATE leader Chris Bell and protesters, including David Cole, rocked up in Darwin’s court in support of two alleged rioters.

Benjamin William Christie, 31, and Kayne Mitchell Cooper, 20, appeared in Darwin Local Court on Thursday facing charges of rioting and breaching of an emergency declaration.

The two men are among a dozen people alleged to have attended the November 6 March Against the Mandate protests, where police were reportedly attacked with rocks and a mystery chemical substance.

Both men appeared before Judge Thomasin Opie on Thursday, who extended their bail until their next appearance.

Chris Bell, who has organised previous anti-mandate demonstrations, was seen in Darwin Local Court, along with vocal anti-vaxxer David Cole.

Anti-mandate leader Chris Bell was at Darwin Local Court to support alleged rioters. Picture: A Parkinson

David Cole attends local court to support alleged rioters. Picture: A Parkinson

Christie was charged with hindering a member of the police, taking part in a riot and contravention of an emergency declaration.

He will return to court on January 20, for a plea or mention.

Cooper was charged with contravention of an emergency declaration and taking part in a riot.

He is set to appear on January 27 for a plea or mention.

EARLIER WED: A TRIO of alleged anti-vax rioters strode into court this week, supported by their fellow anti-mandate protesters.

Samuel David Jacobsen, Nickolas Nicolakis, and Kurt Karl Ruzsicska, 46, had their first appearances in Darwin’s Local Court over their alleged actions during the March Against the Mandate protests on November 6.

Police arrested 12 people allegedly involved in the protests, which took a violent turn with officers exchanging pepper spray for abuse, rocks and an unknown chemical substance allegedly thrown by protesters.

On Tuesday, Nicolakis and Jacobsen appeared in court over their alleged riotous behaviour.

Jacobsen was accused of hindering a member of the police, taking part in a riot and contravening an emergency declaration.

Jacobsen will return to court on January 21 for a directions hearing.

Nicolakis also appeared in court, charged with taking part in a riot, assaulting a member of the police force, hindering a member of the police force and contravention of an emergency declaration.

Nicolakis will return on December 10 for a bail mention, with a directions hearing set for February 7.

Their alleged fellow rioter, Ruzsicska appeared in Darwin Local Court for a first mention the next day.

Ruzsicska faces allegations of taking part in a riot and hindering a member of the police force.

Ruzsicska appeared before Judge Michael Carey, and was ordered to return on January 5 for a plea or mention hearing.

Originally published as Anti-vaccine mandate campaigner David Cole and his family have their bail variation approved