Police say that there have been arrests after unauthorised protest activity in Sydney and Byron Bay today (Saturday 5 September).
Nine people were arrested at parks on Jonson Street and Bay Street, Byron Bay, during the unauthorised protest.
Seven males and two females were taken to Byron Bay Police Station where charges are expected to be laid. (See update Monday 7 September – further charges and infringement notices)
Among those arrested was a 34-year old man police will allege assaulted a senior constable.
Five Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued for alleged breaches of the current NSW Public Health Orders.
Meanwhile in Sydney
About 11am today, (Saturday 5 September), 19 Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued by officers from Sydney City Police Area Command during an unauthorised gathering at Hyde Park on Elizabeth Street.
During the operation, three people – two men and a woman were arrested.
A 54-year old man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with not comply with notice direction, assault officer in the execution of duty and resist officer in the execution of duty.
In a separate incident, a 44-year-old man allegedly resisted a senior constable after failing to comply with a move-on direction.
He was also taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction and resist officer in the execution of duty.
A 56-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with not comply with police direction.
All three people granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 21 October 2020.
A 16-year-old boy was issued with a youth caution for not complying with Public Health Orders.
About 2pm (Saturday 5 September 2020) 57 Penalty Infringement Notices of $1000 were issued at an unauthorised protest at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.
Two men were arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station where charges are expected to be laid later today.
Appeal to the community
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
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