Cairns ex serviceman Jeffrey James Cantor in court for blocking Bowen coal train

A former serviceman with a history of anti-fossil fuel demonstrations has vowed to be on his best behaviour after his latest arrest.

A Vietnam veteran who ‘locked on’ to a rail line to block coal trains has assured a North Queensland court he will find other ways to protest as he enters his twilight years.

Trinity Beach pensioner and former navy man Jeffrey James Cantor faced Bowen Magistrates Court on Tuesday on four charges stemming from an incident on the Newlands Rail Line on December 15, 2021 – the latest in a history of anti-fossil fuel demonstrations.

Police alleged the 75 year old used a ‘Sleeping Dragon’ attachment device to disrupt trains transporting coal from the Carmichael coal mine and refused to release himself despite repeated warnings.

Cantor pleaded guilty to obstructing railways, trespassing on a railway, using a dangerous attachment device to interfere with transport infrastructure, and contravening police directions.

Jeffrey Cantor locked himself to the track on the Newlands rail line, stopping Adani’s train from moving. Picture: Frontline Action on Coal.

Defence lawyer Sue Higginson acknowledged her client had been prosecuted for similar protests in the past but said he would not reoffend after his latest arrest.

“He says he’s getting too old, and there are other ways to make his point,” Ms Higginson said.

Acting Magistrate Athol Kennedy imposed a $2000 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered that Cantor forfeit the Sleeping Dragon device as well as a banner used in the protest.

Convictions were recorded.

Cantor previously spoke out against the Abbot Point Coal Terminal. Picture: Wordpress

Cantor’s protest was the third time in the space of a month that Frontline Action on Coal activists attempted to block coal trains travelling to the port.

It is alleged that while Cantor was locked on, multiple protesters — including Brisbane man Franz James Dowling — climbed aboard the stationary train and used shovels to remove coal.

Mr Kennedy on Tuesday adjourned Mr Dowling’s charges to January 25.

Carmichael coal mine operator Bravus declined to comment.

Originally published as Cairns ex serviceman Jeffrey James Cantor in court for blocking Bowen coal train