The tragic death of 20-year-old Brad Balzan has once again captured national attention, with ABC News reporting on the State Coroner’s damning findings into the police actions that led to his fatal shooting. As noted by the ABC, the Coroner determined that police used “an unreasonable level of force” during the incident, a conclusion that reinforces what Brad’s family, and our firm, have maintained from the outset.
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, who represent Brad’s father, Adam Balzan, were featured in the ABC’s coverage as the family continues its pursuit of accountability through civil proceedings.
Death of Brad Balzan Was Preventable
The Coroner’s findings lay bare a series of deeply concerning failures. Additionally, the ABC reports that Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan ruled the pursuit of Brad as “unauthorised” and therefore unlawful, adding:
“I do not accept the circumstances were reached to justify detaining or using force.”
– Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan.
These findings reflect the position our firm has advocated for since taking on this matter: Bradley should never have been stopped, never pursued, and never placed in harm’s way in his own backyard.
What began as an encounter based solely on his clothing, “a hoodie and sunglasses on a summer day”, spiralled into a chaotic and unnecessary use of force. The ABC notes the confrontation intensified rapidly after officers deployed OC spray, which the Coroner found “significantly escalated” the situation and deprived Bradley of the opportunity to simply explain that he was at his own home.
Our Principal Solicitor Quoted by ABC on Brad Balzan Death
ABC News highlighted our Principal Solicitor Peter O’Brien’s statement on the devastating toll Brad Balzan’s death has taken on his family. Speaking outside the Coroner’s Court, Mr O’Brien said:
“I can only begin to imagine how grief struck they are. This young man was a beautiful young boy who had extensive love for his family. Their grief will continue and be immeasurable.”
These words capture the profound loss Adam and his family carry. This is a loss made all the more unbearable by the knowledge that Bradley’s death was avoidable.
Civil Proceedings Now Underway
As ABC News reported, Bradley’s father, Adam Balzan, has commenced a civil claim against the State of NSW. The claim argues what the Coroner now affirms: Bradley Balzan “should never have been stopped”.
Our firm is proud to represent Adam as he pursues justice for the unnecessary and unlawful police conduct that took his son’s life. This litigation will delve further into the systemic issues exposed during the inquest, and hold those responsible to account.
Serious Recommendations That Must Be Urgently Implemented
In her findings, the Coroner issued seven recommendations aimed at overhauling proactive policing in NSW. Among them:
- Mandatory activation of body-worn cameras whenever officers exercise statutory powers
- A review of OC spray use, including enforcing verbal warnings
- Improved training and supervision of officers undertaking proactive patrols
The ABC noted the Coroner’s observation that the death of Brad Balzan’s has raised “serious concerns” about police training and oversight. These are concerns that our firm has seen echoed across many of our clients’ cases involving excessive or unlawful police force.
Read more of our civil law case studies.
These recommendations are sensible, necessary, and long overdue. They deserve immediate implementation to protect the public and prevent future tragedies.
Fight for NSW Police Accountability
This is not the first time O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has stood beside families harmed by unlawful police actions, and sadly, it will likely not be our last. We have represented clients in countless civil actions against NSW Police, and our commitment to accountability is unwavering.
Brad’s death is a reminder of the profound consequences of policing failures. While the Coroner’s findings mark a crucial step toward justice, the path ahead requires persistence, and the Balzan family will not walk it alone.
Need legal assistance following unlawful police conduct?
If you or a loved one has been subjected to excessive force, wrongful arrest, or other police misconduct, our team can help you take the first step toward justice.
📞 Call (02) 9261 4281
📧 Email
💬 Enquire online for a confidential consultation.
Our civil case studies demonstrate the breadth of our experience. We also proudly represent witnesses in major inquiries, including multiple Royal Commissions.
