New Earth Cafe owner Sarah Diana Parsons and solicitor refuse to wear mask to court

The solicitor of the owner of Coolum’s New Earth Cafe, who allegedly refused police directions to wear a mask, has been threatened with contempt after he was critical of the decision to refuse him entry into a court. See what unfolded.

The solicitor of a Coolum cafe owner who allegedly refused police directions to wear a mask has been threatened with contempt after he was critical of the decision to refuse him entry into a Coast court for not wearing a mask.

The Sunshine Coast Daily understands Sarah Diana Parsons was arrested at New Earth Cafe on July 30 after police allege she refused to wear a mask multiple times and became verbally abusive towards police.

Police allegedly attended the Coolum Beach venue three times on July 30 to ask Ms Parsons to wear a mask.

Mask noncompliance Coolum Beach

In footage released after the incident an officer can be heard telling staff they had received complaints in relation to staff not wearing masks.

Ms Parsons was due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court for one count of contravening a requirement on Monday morning but was unable to attend in person.

New Earth Cafe's Sarah Parsons was arrested for refusing to wear a mask. Picture: File

The 38-year-old and her solicitor Rob Grealy were asked to wait outside the courthouse because they were not wearing masks.

Mr Grealy eventually appeared via a phone call.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said the court had tried to call Mr Grealy twice to no avail and expressed his disappointment that he was not promptly available.

The solicitor said it wouldn’t have happened if he was allowed in the courtroom.

“I don’t agree with being kept out of the courtroom, no,” he said.

“As far as I’m concerned that’s unlawful.”

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Mr Madsen said Mr Grealy’s “strong objection” to the criticism meant he could issue a warrant for showing contempt towards a court officer trying to conduct business in a courtroom.

Mr Grealy apologised to Mr Madsen for not answering his phone more promptly.

He said he was on another phone call at the time.

Mr Grealy told the court he had a medical condition which prevented him from wearing a mask.

When questioned by Mr Madsen the solicitor said there was “no such thing as an exemption” and didn’t elaborate on his medical condition.

Mr Grealy later said Ms Parsons had tried to show her exemption but was told it was unacceptable.

Mr Grealy and police prosecutor Stuart Lydford asked for the matter to be adjourned.

Mr Madsen adjourned the matter to September 27 and said Ms Parsons would need to appear.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist previously adjourned the matter on August 27 when he said Ms Parsons’ reluctance to wear a mask would not be accepted as an excuse.

Ms Parsons declined to comment outside of court.

Originally published as New Earth Cafe owner Sarah Diana Parsons and solicitor refuse to wear mask to court