On Tuesday 16th July, campaign stalwarts Janine Watson and Mark Lawrence found themselves the target of both serious criminal charges and a law suit from McDonalds in one day! Clearly as two of the most high profile faces of the campaign they have been singled out and now face very serious consequences for their peaceful stand to keep McDonalds out of Tecoma.
In the afternoon, six to eight police officers entered a private home without permission to arrest Janine and Mark. They were both charged with trespass in relation to being part of the peaceful occupation of the Old Hazelvale Dairy. However additional charges of assault, and in the case of Janine Watson, one indictable charge of “recklessly causing serious injury” was laid. These related to an incident that occurred on 3rd July when after Ms Watson gave birthday cake to McDonalds security, she alleges she was pulled from atop a fence and disproportionate force was used by four McDonalds security guards to detain and hold her down. She received injuries to her hands, bruises and shock. This is direct contrast to statements made by the police the next day which presented the McDonalds securities version of the events as fact that Janine fell from the roof and that no assault on her by McDonalds security occurred. This was despite no police witnessing the event and police not getting statements from anyone other than McDonald security. The police statements made the day after the incident is currently under internal investigation by police.
Ms Watson and Mark Lawrence vigorously maintain they are innocent of all assault charges. They are peaceful protestors who are making a non-violent stand against a development they believe is deeply inappropriate for the Dandenongs and for the rights of ordinary citizens to have input into the planning process.
Then within hours of this arrest, a process server arrived at their door to present them with a summons to appear in the Supreme Court on July 18th as part of McDonalds suing of the Tecoma 8. They are now bound by the interim injunction the court granted until August 1st, which restricts their movements and freedom of speech. Along with the other six defendants they face potentially tens of thousands of damages and legal costs from McDonalds.
It should be noted that the other members of the Tecoma 8 including Karl, Marcia, Shane and Martha are now in a similar position of facing simaltaneous criminal and civil trials for their involvement in the battle to stop this inappropriate development. This is not a reasonable price for ordinary people to pay for taking a peaceful stand. More about the stories of these other brave people will be shared shortly.
The campaign stands in solidarity with Mark, Janine, Ava, Karl, Marcia, Shane, Martha and Jude as we continue our peaceful campaign to prevent McDonalds demolishing the Old Hazelvale Dairy and building against the community wishes in Tecoma. Together we stand!
