A man has been charged with a number of offences including inciting a protest in Sydney's western suburbs overnight.
Last night (Tuesday 24 August 2021), officers from Bankstown Police Area Command received information that a protest had been planned in the vicinity of Villawood and the details were provided on social media.
Local police, together with officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and Public Order and Riot Squad were subsequently deployed to the area.
About 9.15pm, police observed a Toyota Corolla travelling north on Woodville Road, Villawood, with allegedly altered registration plates.
Police attempted to stop the car; however, the driver failed to comply, and a pursuit was initiated.
The driver – a 40-year-old man – stopped after a short time and was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station.
His male passenger – also aged 40 – was issued with an infringement notice for breaching the public health order.
The driver was charged with encourage the commission of crimes, obscure number plate, not stop vehicle when directed to do so, and two counts of not comply with noticed direction.
Police will allege in court that the man shared details of the protest on a social media platform.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday 25 August 2021).
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
