A MAN has been charged after assaulting an officer at an unauthorised protest in the state’s north last month.

About 9.30am on Tuesday 31 July 2021, officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended Port Stephens Council Chambers, Raymond Terrace, following reports of an unauthorised protest.

On arrival, police observed about 30 people in attendance and gave the group a move-on direction.

Three men allegedly failed to comply and were arrested.

Two of the men were issued Public Infringement Notices.

The other man, a 57-year-old, allegedly pushed a male inspector during his arrest.

The officer was not injured.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest, failing to comply with face covering directive and unlawfully participating in an outdoor gathering.

The man was released on conditional bail to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 1 November, 2021.