A TASMANIAN magistrate has fined a long-time pro-life activist $3000 for protesting outside a Hobart abortion clinic, after he flew in from Queensland to challenge the state’s laws.

Queensland man John Graham Preston was charged with three counts of engaging in prohibited behaviour within an access zone, and one count of failing to comply with the direction of a police officer, during multiple protests in September 2014 and April 2015.

Tasmanian couple Raymond and Penny Stallard were also charged over their alleged involvement in the 2015 protest.

In convicting Preston, Magistrate Catherine Rheinberger said while the protests had been conducted peacefully, Preston had come to Tasmanian with the specific intention of defying the state’s laws, and had prior convictions for similar behaviour in his home state.

She convicted Preston of all charges, giving him 28 days to pay a $3000 fine.

Ms Rheinberger found the charges proven against the Mr and Mrs Stallard, but did not record convictions.

She instead opted for a 12-month good behaviour bond for both defendants.

Magistrate Rheinberger also rejected an application from the three defendants’ lawyer, Christopher Brohier, for costs.