Sarah Diana Parsons: Hearing for Coolum cafe owner arrested after allegedly refusing to wear mask

A magistrate said she refused to “play games” after a Coolum cafe owner and her lawyer, who both declined to wear masks, failed to answer the phone twice before finally picking up.

Sarah Parsons, who was arrested on July 30 for contravening a requirement after refusing to wear a mask has had her matter listed for hearing.

The lawyer acting for a Coolum cafe owner who was arrested after refusing to wear a mask or comply with police has told a court he “didn’t understand” his client’s charge and was waiting on further information.

Sarah Diana Parsons, 38, was due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday charged with contravene requirement – declared public health emergency.

Ms Parsons was arrested after police attended her Coolum cafe, New Earth, three times on July 30.

Police alleged Ms Parsons refused to wear a mask several times and became verbally abusive towards the officers.

Footage released after the incident showed a police officer telling staff they had received complaints about staff members not wearing masks.

Ms Parsons and her solicitor Rob Grealy were asked to wait outside the courthouse on previous mentions because they were not wearing masks and instead were told to appear by phone.

Sarah Diana Parsons (left), her partner and solicitor Rob Grealy (right) standing outside Maroochydore Magistrates Court at a previous mention.

Magistrate Rod Madsen adjourned the matter on September 13 to September 27 and said Ms Parsons would need to appear.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist had previously adjourned the matter on August 27 when he said Ms Parsons’ reluctance to wear a mask was no excuse for not appearing.

Ms Parsons and her lawyer were due to appear in court via phone on Monday.

Magistrate Maxine Baldwin tried to call Mr Grealy twice during Monday’s mention to no avail.

“If they don’t answer the phone I’ll issue a warrant, I’m not playing games,” she said.

The court later called Mr Grealy a third time and he answered the phone.

Mr Grealy said he was waiting on particulars of the matter.

“We don’t understand the charge,” he said.

Ms Baldwin said the brief of evidence would provide him further details about the charge and ordered it to be available by November 2.

She listed the matter for hearing on November 26 and Ms Parsons’ bail was enlarged.

Ms Baldwin said Ms Parsons would have to appear in person for the hearing.

“Hopefully by then (there) won’t be requirement for masks but you’ll have to deal with that,” she said.

“Your client will be required to be in court (for the hearing).

“If the rule (mask mandate) is still in by the 26th (she’ll) have to comply … hopefully she can understand that.”

Originally published as Sarah Diana Parsons: Hearing for Coolum cafe owner arrested after allegedly refusing to wear mask