Reveller backflips on charge

A WOMAN who previously denied breaking a COVID-19 health direction in Bowen has since pleaded guilty to her charge.

But three other people are maintaining they are not guilty of breaking social distancing restrictions during the height of lockdowns and will have their matters proceed to trial.

Nicole Patricia Fleming, 24, pleaded guilty in writing to Bowen Magistrates Court to failing to comply with a COVID-19 public health direction.

Fleming, from Ireland, was not present in court but a sentence was handed down in her absence.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jay Merchant read the facts of the case to the court, saying Fleming was charged after police were called to a disturbance at Bowen backpacker accommodation in May.

Sergeant Merchant said about 15 to 20 people were having a loud party and were not following social distancing directions, including the requirement of being 1.5m apart from each other.

Fleming was fined $1334. No conviction was recorded.

Mary Tobi Hummel, Amzad Mirza Hussain and Jordi Montagut I Navarro have also been charged with breaking COVID-19 health directions, but are pleading not guilty to the charge.

Hummel fronted Bowen Magistrates Court last week and told Magistrate James Morton she was maintaining her not guilty plea.

The 27-year-old woman, who is from the US but is based in Bowen, had her matter set down for a hearing on November 5.

Hussain, 29, and Montagut I Navarro, 30, also appeared in court last week and stood by their not guilty pleas.

Hussain had his matter set down for a hearing on November 5, while Montagut I Navarro will have his hearing on November 6.