Dominique Jacobs was cleared of all charges under Section 10 which enables a court, upon a plea or finding of guilt, to order the dismissal of charges without proceeding to record a conviction.

“Not even court fees,” Ms Jacobs said.   

Ms Jacobs stated that the magistrate’s decision was based on her being an “upstanding citizen” with no prior convictions.

She found it interesting that the magistrate commented on how “there is a shift in types of people who are protesting,” noting that the protesters are increasingly more conservative.

When asked if she would still protest given the recent changes to NSW’ protesting laws, she firmly declared, “absolutely”.

“I won’t be bullied into stopping to protecting the environment.”

Recent amendments to the Inclosed Lands, Crimes and Law Enforcement Legislation will see the fine increase from $550 to $5,500, amongst other penalties.

Ms Jacobs had been charged with obstructing traffic and disobeying a police direction, in relation to locking-on at the Santos facility in the Pilliga forest in January.