This month, one case has stood above all others in the media cycle: Hannah Thomas.
From having all criminal charges against her dropped, to the charging of a police officer and widespread press coverage, the Thomas matter has ignited debate in Sydney and beyond about the policing of political expression and the rule of law.
At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we are proud to represent Ms Thomas and other protesters in these proceedings. We consider it a privilege to stand with those whose rights have been compromised, and to seek justice where unlawful conduct has occurred.
Below, we trace the timeline of events of Hannah Thomas’ case.
All Charges Dropped Against Hannah Thomas
The first breakthrough came when the NSW Police formally dropped all charges against Hannah Thomas. Previously, our client faced criminal charges arising from her attendance at the Belmore protest. This decision brought immense relief, and confirmed what we had argued from the outset, that the charges were not sustainable in law.
This moment was not just about clearing Thomas’ name. It was about shining a light on how easily individuals can be swept up in the machinery of criminal justice when exercising their democratic right to protest.
The case also drew significant interest because of the broader questions it raised, including:
- How should police conduct themselves in volatile public settings?
- Where do lawful powers end and abuse of authority begin?
Our firm is proud to have played a role in ensuring justice prevailed at this stage.
👉 Read more about NSW dropping all charges.
Police Officer Charged Over Assault of Hannah Thomas
Then the case took another important turn: The police officer involved in Hannah Thomas’s arrest was charged with assault. It is a rare moment when accountability of this kind is pursued against law enforcement, and it underscores the seriousness with which the courts and the broader community are treating this incident.
In our press release, Principal Solicitor, Peter O’Brien, emphasised the importance of the development:
“We are pleased to see that a police officer has been charged in connection with the serious assault of Hannah Thomas. A civil action will be filed imminently in relation to what we allege was a cowardly, gratuitous and compensable act of violence by a serving NSW Police Officer.
We will also be prosecuting a case against the State of NSW on the basis that the charges brought against Ms Thomas amounted to a malicious prosecution, and that the decision to pursue such baseless and groundless charges also constituted a misfeasance in public office conducted by NSW Police.
It was of real and stark concern that the immediate response by the leadership of NSW Police in the immediate aftermath of Ms Thomas’ injury being sustained was that officers had done nothing wrong, despite clear and objective evidence to the contrary. Ms Thomas’ injuries remain extremely serious, and her long-term prognosis is still unknown.
The senseless violence and ruthless conduct of police towards this small group of peaceful protesters, including Ms Thomas is a sharp indictment on the way in which government and police are manoeuvring to criminalise and suppress protest and dissent in this state: this is of significant concern for all interested in the preservation of democracy in NSW.”
For many, the assault has raised further concerns about the culture within NSW Police and the adequacy of existing safeguards to protect citizens during public demonstrations.
We anticipate the coming months will reveal more about how such conduct was permitted, and whether there are deeper systemic issues at play.
👉 Read our media statement
👉 Full coverage of the charges
In the Spotlight: Media Coverage & Public Statements
This case has not only unfolded in the courtroom; it has also played out dramatically across the media landscape, dominating headlines and sparking discussion across Australia. Our lawyers have been at the forefront of this conversation, providing informed and fearless advocacy in the public domain.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted our Special Counsel, Stewart O’Connell, during a pivotal hearing. Representing several of the Belmore protesters, Mr O’Connell told the court that police had effectively been directed to act “contrary to the law”. His words captured the seriousness of the matter:
“It appears to be a direction coming from the top, a systematic issue.”
O’Connell went on to describe it as “extremely concerning” that a senior officer appeared to have a “fundamental” misunderstanding of the law. These comments, reported in the Herald, highlight the deeper institutional questions that this case has brought into the public eye.
👉 Read the full article in the SMH
BBC World News also carried the story, broadcasting it to an international audience. Quoting Mr O’Brien, the report underscored the seriousness of the injuries Ms Thomas sustained:
“The long-term impact on Thomas’s right eye was still unknown.”
Mr O’Brien confirmed that civil proceedings would be initiated, including claims for malicious prosecution, assault and battery, and malfeasance in public office. This global coverage reflects how far-reaching the implications of this case are, extending well beyond Sydney and into a broader dialogue on policing and justice.
👉 Read the BBC’s international coverage.
9 News Australia invited Principal Solicitor, Peter O’Brien, to provide commentary on the officer’s assault charge and its wider implications. In a televised national interview, he outlined the troubling nature of the incident and the need for transparency in the prosecution process.
👉 Watch the full 9News interview
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