Anti-abortion campaigner John Graham Preston has vowed to appeal a $3000 fine he was handed for protesting outside a Hobart abortion clinic.
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Preston’s lawyer, Christopher Brohier, said the Queensland man flew into Tasmania specifically to protest Tasmania's Reproductive Health Act, which makes it illegal for people to protest within 150 metres of an abortion clinic.
Preston was charged with three counts of engaging in prohibited behaviour within an access zone during protests in September 2014 and April 2015, and one count of failing to comply with the direction of a police officer, stemming from the April 2015 protest.
In sentencing Preston in the Hobart Magistrates Court, Magistrate Catherine Rheinberger said the long-time anti-abortion campaigner had a string of related prior convictions stretching back to 2002.
Geeveston couple Raymond and Penny Stallard were also charged under the new laws for joining Preston in his April 2015 protest, with Ms Rheinberger finding the couple guilty of one count of engaging in prohibited behaviour within an access zone, and one count of failing to comply with the direction of a police officer.
Ms Rheinberger did not record a conviction for either of the Stallards, instead imposing a 12-month good behaviour bond.
She rejected a costs application from the trio’s lawyer, Mr Brohier.
Under the Reproductive Health Act protestors can receive a fine not exceeding $11,750 and/or a prison sentence of no more than 12 months.