After 16 days in custody, a “mellowed” Narre Warren-based pastor accused of inciting anti-lockdown gatherings has been released on bail with a $15,000 surety.
Paul Furlong appeared by video link at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 15 June, accused of inciting people to attend services at his Revival Church in defiance of Covid restrictions in February and May.
He allegedly incited a large crowd of people outside Fountain Gate shopping centre, which was dispersed by more than 100 police officers on Sunday 30 May.
At the time, Mr Furlong was “disregarding” his bail conditions imposed after similar charges in February, police said.
On 27 May, Mr Furlong allegedly appeared in an online video interview, urging people to attend his church in defiance of CHO directions.
He also posted a similar message on his own Facebook page, urging people to obey God and constitutional law, to “wake up” and “stand up for your rights”, police said.
Senior Sergeant Luke Holmes, of the Dandenong-based Frontline Tactical Unit, told Frankston Magistrates’ Court he opposed bail.
He said Mr Furlong would continue to defy CHO directions and put Australia at possible risk of a “super-spreader event”.
“He is dogmatic in his beliefs that what he’s doing is lawful.
“He’s chosen to obey (the law of) God over man.”
Police and health department officials allegedly tried to contact and “educate” Mr Furlong 39 times before the 30 May service.
Mr Furlong was not at his Tyabb home when police raided it on 28 May.
He had been “avoiding” police contact until his arrest on arrival at the church in the middle of the night -about 12.20am on 30 May, the day of the planned service, Snr Sgt Holmes said.
After his arrest, Mr Furlong asked police if they were part of a treason, serving them with photocopied documents “pertaining to be from the High Court of Australia”, the senior sergeant said.
He allegedly quizzed police on whether they had “been in the area of the Masonic Lodge”, whether police had taken an oath of allegiance to the Queen as well as their grounds of authority.
Defence lawyer Rahmin de Kretser argued that Mr Furlong’s offences were not jailable so keeping him locked up until his hearing was akin to “preventative detention”.
“His strong views have mellowed considerably after spending that time in custody.”
Mr Furlong’s wife Julie, who put up the surety, was asked by Ms Prapas if she’d inform police of any bail breach.
“I wouldn’t want to but I guess in this case, I would,” Ms Furlong said.
“I believe in the Bible. I believe and follow the commands of God.
“I’m not as passionate about it as Paul is.
“I have been a law-abiding citizen and I have been following the Chief Health Officer’s directive.”
On 15 June, Frankston magistrate Vicky Prapas imposed bail conditions including a ban from social media.
“I want to make it clear that whatever his personal views are of government policy, they’re his views,” Ms Prapas said.
“He’s entitled to those views.”
But she didn’t want him “publishing or saying things that would incite other people not to comply with the steps taken by the Victorian Chief Health Officer to keep people safe and healthy”.
Under bail, Mr Furlong’s social media accounts must remain deactivated during Victoria’s Covid state-of-emergency.
He must not incite a person, or publish material and take part in interviews that incited non-compliance with CHO directions.
He, his Revival Church and his aquarium business Lots of Fins must comply with CHO guidelines such as social distancing, crowd limits and check-in QR codes.
Ms Prapas ordered the bailed Mr Furlong to appear before her in person at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 16 June.
