Yesterday officers from Newcastle City Police District formed Strike Force Tuohy as they continue proactive operations to actively prevent and disrupt illegal protests in the Hunter/Newcastle region.
The ongoing protests are placing public safety at risk and endangering the lives of all those who use the rail network. They will not be tolerated.
Accordingly, I have sought further legal advice today and am warning anyone who intends on behaving in the manner we've seen over the past week that they could be charged with offences under Section 211 of the Crimes Act 1900, which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
This is in addition to the various trespass and rail disruption offences numerous protestors have been charged with since Friday 5 November.
Officers from Strike Force Tuohy, with the assistance of Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad, PolAir and intelligence resources, stand ready to target anyone engaging in this dangerous and criminal behaviour, and will not hesitate to take the appropriate action.
