Logging contractor found guilty of assault after cutting a protester’s rope in forest

A logging contractor who cut a rope attached to a protester suspended from a tree high above a logging machine has been found guilty of assault.

The Bob Brown Foundation says that last May, when the confrontation occurred, Helena Griffiths was “peacefully protesting” in an area they say is a breeding ground for swift parrots, along with 10 other people.

Hobart Magistrates’ Court heard Griffith felt terrified when her platform, 20 meters above the ground, became unstable.

In a video released to the court in September, Griffiths could be heard shouting at the worker after the rope was cut.

“Fuck you, you fucking prick,” she screamed as he continued to watch and another protester demanded to know what happened.

The man was then filmed saying: “She’s certainly not stupid enough to get involved in this.”

Former Green Party leader Bob Brown has said the clearing of Tasmania’s native forests must end.

“This is a rare case of loggers behaving dangerously towards protesters who are charged and convicted,” he said.

“The ultimate violence we want to end is the destruction of forests full of life, but Prime Minister Albanese is right behind the vandals.”

The case will return to Hobart Magistrates’ Court next year.