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October 20, 2026

AVO against Cr Michael Lyon withdrawn by police

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Independent Byron Shire councillor (and former Mayor and Green Cr), Michael Lyon, appeared in the Tweed Heads Criminal Court this morning for what turned out to be his last appearance in the matter concerning an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) that the police sought against him in August last year.

At that time, after police were called to the home of Mr Lyon and his wife, charges were laid and an application made by the police for an AVO.

Cr Lyon, who was re-elected as a councillor last September, was originally listed to appear in the Byron Bay court but at the 11th hour that was changed to Tweed Heads.

Several court appearances

Since then Cr Lyon has appeared several times in front of magistrates in Tweed and Byron Bay, once in October 2024 for an alleged breach of an AVO earlier that month at The Pocket.

Last week in the Tweed Heads court, criminal charges against Mr Lyon were withdrawn.

This morning’s proceedings lasted less than two minutes.

Representing Mr Lyon was Xavier Hanckel-Spice on behalf of John D Weller and Associates. Once Mr Lyon was seated Mr Hanckel-Spice immediately deferred to the police prosecutor who said the application was withdrawn, upon which the magistrate, LC Judge Stapleton, dismissed it.

Outside the courthouse The Echo asked Mr Lyon if he had a comment to make and he said not at this time.



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