Civil Law

Stewart O’Connell Stands Firm for Hannah Thomas in The Guardian

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors continue to be at the forefront of one of New South Wales’ most significant civil rights cases this year. Today, our solicitor, Stewart O’Connell, featured prominently in The Guardian’s latest reporting on the legal battle surrounding former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas.

In the article published on 15 July 2025, The Guardian chronicled the ongoing proceedings stemming from a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney on 27 June. During this protest, Hannah Thomas sustained severe injuries. Despite prior police announcements that one of the charges against Thomas would be withdrawn, the matter remains unresolved in court.

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Stewart O’Connell: A Voice for Justice

Stewart O’Connell appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday, where he confirmed that Hannah Thomas would plead not guilty to three charges: resisting police, failure to comply with a move-on direction, and refusing or failing to comply with a direction to disperse.

O’Connell expressed strong criticism of the charges outside the courthouse:

“Every minute that these charges persist is another minute of injustice.
The charges are ludicrous. There is objective evidence in relation to all of the matters that are consistent with innocence.”

O’Connell emphasised that O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors have taken the rare step of commenting publicly on the matter while proceedings are ongoing, due to the seriousness of the evidence viewed on police body-worn camera footage. According to O’Connell, the footage depicts “a brutal, cowardly and despicable assault” on Hannah Thomas, allegedly perpetrated by a police officer.

The below video is footage taken from News.com.au

Continuing the Fight for Accountability

Beyond Thomas’ individual charges, O’Connell also appeared in court for four other protesters charged in relation to the same event, entering not guilty pleas on their behalf. During bail variation discussions for one defendant, Zack Schofield, O’Connell argued that the police’s directions were “clearly unlawful” and pointed to a lack of evidence substantiating resistance allegations.

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors are preparing a civil claim on Thomas’s behalf against the State of NSW for damages arising from her apprehension, injuries, detention, and prosecution. The legal grounds under consideration include assault and battery, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, and collateral abuse of process.

The Broader Implications

The Guardian’s reporting underscores the wider implications of the case, as it raises crucial questions about police powers, the legality of public assembly restrictions, and protester rights in New South Wales. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden had previously announced that a serious charge against Thomas under emergency anti-riot laws would be withdrawn, yet in court this week, prosecutors confirmed that all three charges remain active.

While NSW Police maintain there was no misconduct, the case has been declared a critical incident, meaning it is subject to independent oversight and investigation.

Stewart O’Connell’s steadfast advocacy ensures that Hannah Thomas, and all protesters facing these charges, have a vigorous defence and a voice demanding accountability for police actions.