In Hobart’s Magistrates Court today, a native forest logging contractor was found guilty of assault after he cut a rope that was attached to a forest defender and her portaledge high in a tree-sit on a cable logging machine.

“Forest defender Helena Griffiths was peacefully protesting in Swift Parrot breeding forests in May 2023. The logging contractor turned up in the morning and dangerously cut the rope that attached Griffith’s portaledge to the logging machine. It was a great relief for Helena Griffiths, and all forest defenders, that Magistrate Hartnett found Patrick Mellor guilty of assault today. The logging of Tasmania’s native forests is horrific as we continue to bear witness to, and resist, this destruction of the environment. This assault on Helena was harrowing and when violence is perpetrated against forest defenders, we will seek justice through the courts,” said Jenny Weber, Bob Brown Foundation’s Campaigns Manager.

“This is a rare case of loggers who behave dangerously towards protestors being charged and convicted. The ultimate violence we want stopped is the destruction of life-filled forests but PM Albanese is right behind the vandals,” said Bob Brown.

Magistrate Hartnett said she was contemplating a sentence of imprisonment. Mellor will be sentenced on 3 March at 2:15pm.

Video of assault: warning on distressing content