A New South Wales man is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court today after he was charged following an alleged assault at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) during the anti-vaccine mandate protests earlier this year. 

In February, police received a report regarding the alleged assault of a 67-year-old woman, who was employed at a venue inside EPIC. The woman sustained fractures to both her wrists requiring surgery, after a man allegedly assaulted her while causing a disturbance.  

On Tuesday 3 May, with the assistance of NSW Police a search warrant was executed at an address in Kings Langley (NSW) a 34-year-old man was arrested at that location. Police will allege the man was in Canberra at the time of the incident as part of ongoing protest activity. 

Following his arrest, the 34-year-old man appeared at the Blacktown Local Court where he was bailed to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court this morning, Friday 6 May. He will be charged with trespassing and recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm – the latter charge carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years.  

Detective acting Inspector Leesa Alexander said that Canberra has seen ongoing protest activity – some of which had little regard for the safety and security of our community. 

“While the person that allegedly committed this crime does not live in the ACT, we have close working relationships with state police, and they assisted in his identification, location and arrest,” Detective acting Inspector Alexander said.  

“This should serve as a warning to anyone protesting in the ACT. Peaceful protest activity is a person’s right, however if someone breaks the law they will be identified, arrested and placed before the court.”