A movie stuntman who rode his horse through crowds at two lockdown protests has told a court he was given "ineffective counsel" when he was advised to plead guilty.
Representing himself in Murwillumbah Local Court this morning, Michael Corrigan, 52, changed his plea to not guilty.
He is charged with unlawfully participating in an outdoor gathering at Murwillumbah on August 31 while the area was under stay-at-home orders.
The event was nine days after a gathering on the border at Tweed Heads during which Mr Corrigan rode his horse bareback through a throng of protesters.
His involvement in that protest resulted in fines from Queensland and New South Wales police of around $7,000.
Mr Corrigan told the court that during his last appearance "incorrect assumptions" were made about him by his then-lawyer, Russell Baxter.
"I don't want to make a case against my lawyer, I just want proper representation."
Serious allegations
Magistrate Michael Dakin said Mr Corrigan was making "some serious allegations against the conduct of his lawyer" and that his application to change his plea was not accompanied by any evidence.
Mr Corrigan also sought to alter his bail, stating he had no criminal record and would like to have no bail.
He said he was concerned he could go to jail for some minor offence like jaywalking, which would only normally attract a fine.
The magistrate sent Mr Corrigan to the court office to file an application to change his plea and alter his bail, telling him he would also need to file an affidavit of evidence before his next court appearance on May 11.
