Police praise MardiGrass behaviour
Richmond Local Area Commander Superintendent Bruce Lyons has praised festival goers at the weekend’s Nimbin MardiGrass, with few incidents requiring police action to date.
A total of 11 people were detected being in possession of prohibited drugs (cannabis) in the township over the weekend up until this morning with one of those people, a woman, also being charged with resist arrest and offensive language.
A further 47 were detected as being in possession of prohibited drugs (cannabis and ecstasy) on roads leading into Nimbin, while there were traffic infringement notices issued for speeding, not wear seatbelt and unregistered driver.
Police said those detected with prohibited drugs were either charged or given cannabis cautions.
Two men were charged with offensive conduct on Saturday night, while on Friday night two teenage girls were each charged with assault police, resist arrest and offensive conduct.
Four people were charged with drink-driving over the weekend, including a man who allegedly fled from police in his vehicle and was also charged with drive manner dangerous.
There was also one man charged with breach bail, another arrested on a first-instance warrant, and infringement notices issued for fail to quit licensed premises and consume alcohol in a no-alcohol zone.
All those charged will face Lismore Local Court on May 29.
Supt Lyons said he was pleased with the results over the weekend with most people respecting the law and creating a peaceful festival atmosphere.
Richmond LAC resources were boosted over the weekend with officers from the Operational Support Group, Public Order and Riot Squad, Mounted Police and Dog Squad.
Police said they would continue to have a strong police presence in and around the township of Nimbin as the festival wraps up tonight.
