A climate change activist who blocked the Sydney Harbour Bridge and was sentenced to at least eight months in prison has been granted bail while an appeal is ongoing.
Recall that on one Wednesday morning in April, Deanna “Violet” Maree Coco drove a truck onto the bridge to obstruct a southbound lane of traffic during rush hour.
The 32-year-old was performing with the environmentalist organization Fireproof. She also sent off a distress flare from the car’s roof.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman stated at the time that legislation introduced in the same month targets persons who take part in unauthorized protests on public streets or bridges that have the effect of “shutting down substantial economic activity.”
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Those found guilty risk receiving a $22,000 fine and two years in prison.
Coco entered a guilty plea for a number of crimes, including entering the Sydney Harbour Bridge, interfering with traffic, and using or modifying an authorized explosive in a manner not permitted.
She was the first individual in the state to receive a punishment on December 3 under the new regulations, and she was given a maximum penalty of 15 months in prison with an eight-month non-parole period.
However, Judge Timothy Gartelmann granted Coco bail in the lead-up to her District Court appeal against the severity of her sentence, listed for March next year.
The bail conditions prevent her from going within one kilometre of the Sydney Harbour Bridge until December 29, when she must live at a Lismore address and only enter the greater Sydney metropolitan area to attend court. She must also continue receiving treatment from a psychologist.
Fellow Fireproof protester Jay Larbalestier did not receive a prison sentence and said the justice system had responded disproportionately.
Greens MP Sue Higginson said the state government’s anti-protest laws went too far.
Story was adapted from ABC.
