Woman charged and 11 PINs to be issued after Sydney protest, NSW

Police have charged a woman and will issue 11 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaching the Public Health Order following an unauthorised protest in Sydney.

A high-visibility police operation was launched in response to the unauthorised protest that took place about 1pm today (Saturday 10 October 2020), to ensure the safety of the community and enforce the current Public Health Orders.

General duties officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command and across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

The large group gathered in Taylors Square and were warned the mass gathering was in breach of the NSW Public Health Order, that prohibits outdoor gatherings of more than 20 people.

Following a speech, the group began to split, each making its way down Oxford Street, before the majority ended up in Hyde Park and then dispersing.

During the operation, a 19-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station.

She was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, assault officer in the execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

The Bronte woman was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.

A further 11 people will be issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order and one move on direction was issued.

/Public Release. View in full here.