Tyson Billings | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1977 or 1978 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Other names | Freedom George |
| Criminal charge | Counselling mischief |
| Penalty | 6 months probation |
Tyson George Billings (born 1977 or 1978), also known as Freedom George,[1] was a key figure in the Canada convoy protest.
Billings was arrested in February 2022 and pleaded guilty to one charge of counselling mischief in June 2022.
Activism
Billings protested the COVID-19 public health measures at the Canada convoy protest along with protest coleader and friend Pat King.[1][2] He broadcast the protest via his Facebook page.[3] During the protest, Billings boasted that he bypassed police checkpoints.[4]
Criminal charges
Billings was arrested on February 19, 2022, and along with Pat King, and was he charged with two counts of intimidation and obstructing police, and one count of mischief, counselling intimidation, counselling to commit mischief, counselling to obstruct police, disobeying a court order, and counselling to disobey a court order.[1] After his arrest Billings sold merchandise via his social media accounts.[1]
After 116 days in jail, Billings pled guilty to one charge of counselling mischief and was sentenced to six months on probation in June 2022.[1][5]
Career and personal life
Billings lives in High Prairie, Alberta.[1] After his release from custody, his lawyer stated that he would work on his family's farm.[5]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fraser, David (June 15, 2022). "Tyson Billings a.k.a. Freedom George released from jail after guilty plea". CBC. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
- 1 2 ""Freedom George" reste détenu". Le Droit (in French). February 28, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
- ↑ "Ottawa : Un autre leader des manifestants arrêté". TVA Nouvelles. February 20, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
- ↑ "Ottawa : Un autre leader des manifestants arrêté". Le Journal de Montréal. February 20, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
- 1 2 "Key 'Freedom Convoy' figure pleads guilty to counselling mischief, released from jail". Ottawa. June 15, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
- ↑ "Another Convoy Organizer In Ottawa Faces Multiple Charges". muskoka411.com. February 20, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.