as posted here ... Tree man is ‘fit for trial’ - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
MAGISTRATE Liz Langdon deemed Thornlie tree man Richard Pennicuik (57) fit for trial, setting a date of October 27 after he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of obstruction brought by the City of Gosnells.
He faces a fine of $5000, and $500 for every day beyond a three-month moratorium, for allegedly obstructing the City from removing the gum tree outside his home.
But his supporters have vowed to appeal Ms Langdon’s decision to refuse several applications made in court last Tuesday.
Mark Simonsen sought to represent Mr Pennicuik, referring to his disability as outlined in a doctor’s letter. But Ms Langdon said the letter was insufficient, and further evidence would be needed.
She said Mr Pennicuik was not so disabled that he could not talk to the court and he could seek help through the Mental Health Legal Unit or other services.
She also did not accept Mr Simonsen’s application to represent Mr Pennicuik as a “McKenzie Friend” because he did not have any legal training. A McKenzie Friend can assist a person in court but can not act as a legal representative.
Applications for mediation, for the case to be struck off and for an application against the tree’s removal were also rejected, with the prosecution pointing out the tree had already been removed.
An application by Mr Pennicuik to have the case moved to the Perth Magistrates Court was also rejected and a trail date set for the Armadale Magistrates Court.
During the hearing, Mr Pennicuik asked the magistrate if she believed in Jesus Christ, a question which she initially said was irrelevant, then asked Mr Pennicuik to explain the relevance of his question.
“All laws are based on the Protestant faith and people are innocent until proven guilty,” he said and the magistrate agreed before ignoring further questions from Mr Simonsen.
After the hearing, James Dean, who also attempted to represent Mr Pennicuik last month and was rejected, accused the court of being biased against Mr Pennicuik.
Mr Simonsen showed the media a copy of the handwritten letter given to the magistrate in which a doctor said his patient had severe insomnia, paranoia, anxiety and a degree of bipolar disorder, which Mr Simonsen said Mr Pennicuik had suffered on and off for the past 10 years.
Other supporters of Mr Pennicuik’s 110-day treetop vigil remained outside the courthouse until his case was heard, bringing several misspelt placards calling the City “oxygen thieves” and “environmental vandals”.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Saturday 29 May 2010
City seeks tree day volunteers
as posted here ... City seeks tree day volunteers
City of Gosnells residents are invited to come along and help plant 3,000 native trees and shrubs at Southernwood Park to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday, 1 August.
Running from 9am to noon, the event will also include a free sausage sizzle provided by project partner Prosser Toyota, and a range of children’s activities.
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle has urged people to volunteer to help on the day.
“This is a great opportunity for the whole family to have a fun day and do their bit for the environment,” the Mayor said.
“We’ll be planting fringing vegetation to improve the ecosystem including the quality of the water flowing into the Southern River.”
National Tree Day, now in its fifteenth year, is Australia’s largest community tree planting event and the theme for 2010 is Life is Better With Trees.
Each year more than 300,000 people take part at 3,500 sites around the country.
Volunteers should bring along gloves, sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.
The meeting point will be in the park near the corner of Anaconda Drive and Shearwater Way in Gosnells.
For more information or to RSVP please contact Toby Rees on 9397 3204.
City of Gosnells residents are invited to come along and help plant 3,000 native trees and shrubs at Southernwood Park to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday, 1 August.
Running from 9am to noon, the event will also include a free sausage sizzle provided by project partner Prosser Toyota, and a range of children’s activities.
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle has urged people to volunteer to help on the day.
“This is a great opportunity for the whole family to have a fun day and do their bit for the environment,” the Mayor said.
“We’ll be planting fringing vegetation to improve the ecosystem including the quality of the water flowing into the Southern River.”
National Tree Day, now in its fifteenth year, is Australia’s largest community tree planting event and the theme for 2010 is Life is Better With Trees.
Each year more than 300,000 people take part at 3,500 sites around the country.
Volunteers should bring along gloves, sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.
The meeting point will be in the park near the corner of Anaconda Drive and Shearwater Way in Gosnells.
For more information or to RSVP please contact Toby Rees on 9397 3204.
Wednesday 26 May 2010
People smuggling charges against Jarajo Zirak dropped | Perth Now
as posted here ... People smuggling charges against Jarajo Zirak dropped | Perth Now
PEOPLE smuggling charges against an Afghan refugee living in Perth have been dropped.
Jarajo Zirak, 21, who worked as an interpreter at the Christmas Island detention centre, was arrested in front of his family by Australian Federal Police outside his Thornlie home in April.
Mr Zirak was charged with one count of organising or facilitating the proposed entry into Australia of five or more persons, who are unlawful non citizens, while in Indonesia between May 22 and November 26 last year.
But Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions ordered the charges be dropped in Perth Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Federal police said the charges were withdrawn because of “significant changes in the strength of evidence from the witness” that were beyond the control of the AFP and the CDPP.
PEOPLE smuggling charges against an Afghan refugee living in Perth have been dropped.
Jarajo Zirak, 21, who worked as an interpreter at the Christmas Island detention centre, was arrested in front of his family by Australian Federal Police outside his Thornlie home in April.
Mr Zirak was charged with one count of organising or facilitating the proposed entry into Australia of five or more persons, who are unlawful non citizens, while in Indonesia between May 22 and November 26 last year.
But Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions ordered the charges be dropped in Perth Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Federal police said the charges were withdrawn because of “significant changes in the strength of evidence from the witness” that were beyond the control of the AFP and the CDPP.
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