On Thursday, Sam (21) represented himself in the Newcastle District Court and had his 1 month prison sentence reduced to a 6 month CRO (good behavior bond) with no conviction being recorded.
This huge reduction in sentence is in line with the general trends experienced by participants in Blockade Australia actions, where politicised sentencing at the magistrates court level is overturned on appeal.
Sam is the first of two Blockade Australia participants who are fighting to have prison sentences overturned, the other Laura will face court in September.
Sam’s Bipod, which hung off the side of Ironbark bridge, blocked all coal train movement for over 8 hours.