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Mourners fined during Archie Roach funeral

Grieving mourners who were fined for running red lights during late music icon Uncle Archie Roach’s funeral procession will not have them overturned.

Victoria police confirmed at least seven infringements totalling about $462 per driver were issued to mourners travelling as part of the motorcade, including the driver of a hearse carrying Roach’s body back to country in August.

Despite a request to have the fines dismissed ahead of Roach’s state memorial next week, a police review determined each of the drivers committed a “serious traffic offence”.

A police spokesperson said in a statement that “disobeying a red light signal is considered a serious traffic offence.”

It poses a significant safety risk both to the driver and other road users. Seven infringements were issued for disobeying a traffic control signal in relation to this matter.

Victoria police said it offered the funeral organisers police assistance for the cortege’s movement through the Melbourne area, which was declined.

Roach, a proud Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man, tragically died in July at age 66.

A funeral was held in August and his body was driven through his old stomping grounds in Melbourne, including Collingwood, Fitzroy and St Kilda before being taken back to Gunditjmara Country, near Warrnambool.

The premier, Daniel Andrews, announced a state memorial would be held in Roach’s honour at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on 15 December.

– from AAP