22.6 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Magistrates disqualify themselves from hearing Big Rob’s matters

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

State of confusion

If any of you watched Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, you would know that it was a...

Queer family visibility

Did you know that, statistically, if you’ve met a redhead, you’ve also met a trans person? Over 800 trans and gender diverse people live in the Byron Shire, which includes at least 200 children. They’re often a bit hidden though, so come on down and celebrate with them this Trans Day of Visibility!

Urgent appeal

At last Thursday’s Byron Council meeting a long and dedicated campaign to save rail tracks and restore trains in...

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Floodplains

We need a serious talk about development on floodplains with more creativity and sophistication. The recent discussion about development...

Former Lismore mayoral candidate Big Rob.
Former Lismore mayoral candidate Big Rob.

Big Rob’s court battles look set to be fought in Byron Bay Local Court as two Magistrates have disqualified themselves from hearing any of his matters.

Mr Rob appeared at Lismore Local Court before Magistrate Jeff Linden on Monday over an alleged breach of an Apprehended Personal Violence Order APVO taken out by Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith.

A condition of the APVO was Mr Rob was ordered not to post anything on Facebook about Cr Smith or his family as part of the APVO.

During this year’s devastating Lismore flood, it is alleged Mr Rob made comments on social media about Cr Smith’s actions as Mayor.

Cr Smith complained to police and Mr Rob was arrested on April 8 and charged with contravening a restriction in an APVO.

Mr Rob has pleaded not guilty to breaching the APVO.

Magistrate Linden adjourned Mr Rob’s matters to Byron Bay Local Court today ( November 30) for mention to fix a hearing date.

Then on Tuesday, Mr Rob was again before Magistrate Linden in Lismore Local Court, this time charged with not keeping left of a median strip.

Hours before the peak of the flood on April 1, police allege Mr Rob did not keep left of a median strip on Keen St Lismore at 3.37pm.

He was charged and mailed a court attendance notice to his last known address held by Roads and Maritime Services.

Mr Rob entered a not guilty plea to the charge on Tuesday.

Magistrate Linden marked court papers – NB – DH JL disq – meaning he and Magistrate David Heilpern have disqualified themselves from hearing Mr Rob’s matters.

He ordered the brief of evidence against Mr Rob to be served on the defence by December 18 and adjourned the matter to Byron Bay Local court on January 11, for mention to fix a hearing date.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I wonder if they had to say why they disqualified themselves.
    They would have to do that if the defendant is personally known to them – but in this case, was it that they had been subject to influence by reading a post by or about Mr Rob on social media – or was it just a matter of distaste they simply could not overcome?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.