'Childish' conspiracy theorist slammed for breaching Victorian police checkpoint

A woman has been filmed confronting a Victoria Police officer at a COVID-19 roadblock and laughing about it.

The checkpoint incident was uploaded onto Facebook.

The checkpoint incident was uploaded onto Facebook. Source: Facebook

Police say a woman who intentionally breached a Melbourne COVID-19 roadblock is "selfish and childish" for putting others at risk.

In a video posted to Facebook, the woman is seen being pulled over by an officer and asked about her reasons for travelling.

"I don't need to tell you that. I don't know you. I don't need to answer your questions ... Have I committed a crime?" she says, before being allowed to leave.

After driving away, the woman laughs loudly and says, "f**** yes! ... I feel so good!"
The woman talks to a police officer.
The woman talks to the police officer. Source: Facebook
The woman's Facebook page contains conspiracy theory posts about COVID-19.

"You're being taken advantage of by a system designed to fail you. And they've done such a good job, that you don't even see it ... I don't believe there's a pandemic. It's a SCAMdemic. Know your rights."

The Facebook page has since been made private.
Under the current lockdown, Melburnians can only leave the house for a limited number of reasons including exercise, care duties, shopping for essentials and work that cannot be done from home.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said the woman from the video can expect a fine.

"This was a selfish and childish act, it was unnecessary ... We will pursue this, we will speak to her and give her a fine," he said.

"These are clear criminal offences, it's not one of your human rights to endanger people, it's not your human right to put other people at risk."
Police Minister Lisa Neville echoed this.

"Let's be really clear - that vision shows a very selfish person. She's encouraging other people to do it by putting it on Facebook," she said.

"She should look forward to a knock on the door from Victoria Police."

Last week, a similar video at a police stop was uploaded to a Facebook conspiracy page by a "James Bartolo".

On Friday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the state had recorded another six coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, as well as 300 more infections.

Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. It is also mandatory to wear masks in public. 

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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3 min read
Published 24 July 2020 4:51pm
Source: SBS News



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