O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors have been prominently featured across major Australian media outlets this week. Our lawyers, Peter O’Brien and Stewart O’Connell, represent former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas in a high-profile legal battle following allegations of police brutality during a protest in Sydney.
Below is a roundup of how the story, and O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors’ involvement, has been covered in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, and news.com.au.
Sydney Morning Herald: “Police Accused of ‘Gratuitous Brutality’”
In a comprehensive piece by Michael McGowan and Kate McClymont, the Sydney Morning Herald reported new claims that Hannah Thomas suffered a “serious eye injury” after allegedly being punched in the face by a NSW police officer.
Peter O’Brien, our Principal at O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, confirmed the firm’s intention to launch civil proceedings against the state of NSW. O’Brien cited torts including, assault and battery, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, and collateral abuse of process.
Read our other successful case studies against law enforcement.
O’Brien called the incident “gratuitous police brutality and excessive use of force,” and demanded that criminal charges against Thomas be dropped.
The piece highlighted significant contradictions between NSW Police accounts and evidence revealed in body-worn video footage reviewed by O’Brien’s office. A senior NSW Police officer, speaking anonymously, corroborated O’Brien’s assertion, describing the incident as a “shemozzle.”
“It is not ordinary in a criminal prosecution for a lawyer to comment on the case against their client,” O’Brien told the Herald. “However, there are such stark and serious concerns raised by the objective evidence…that require immediate public response.”
Read the full article in the Sydney Morning Herald
The Guardian: “Police Officer Punched Former Greens Candidate, Lawyers Claim”
The Guardian also reported on the incident, emphasising that body-worn camera footage viewed by O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors allegedly shows Hannah Thomas being punched in the face during the protest. Journalist Jordyn Beazley recounted Peter O’Brien’s statement that Thomas was “an innocent victim of gratuitous police brutality and excessive use of force.”
The Guardian noted that O’Brien has formally called on NSW Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw the criminal charges against Thomas. Our client faces accusations of resisting arrest and failing to comply with a police direction.
Peter O’Brien underscored the constitutional implications of the matter, highlighting concerns about the state government’s attempts to broaden police powers in relation to public assemblies:
“It is noteworthy that this occurred against the backdrop of the State government’s attempt to broaden police powers in relation to public assemblies such that they are arguably contrary to constitutional principles.”
Read the full article in The Guardian
News.com: “Lawyer Slams Police Over Ex-Greens Candidate’s Charges”
Nathan Schmidt of news.com.au provided extensive coverage from Bankstown Local Court, where Hannah Thomas and four other protesters entered pleas of not guilty to charges stemming from the 27 June protest.
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors were heavily featured, with Stewart O’Connell representing all five defendants in court. O’Connell labelled the charges against Thomas as “ludicrous” and condemned NSW Police for failing to demonstrate accountability.
Speaking outside court, O’Connell stated:
“Serious consideration needed to be given to charging someone for the brutal, cowardly and despicable assault on Hannah Thomas… The longer these charges persist… is another minute of injustice.”
Peter O’Brien also spoke to the media, asserting that the video evidence confirmed Thomas was punched in the face by police, leading to “extensive and serious injury.” He further announced the firm’s plan to file a civil claim for compensation.
The piece highlighted the broader political context, noting that the incident has sparked calls from NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson for Police Minister Yasmin Catley to stand down Assistant Police Commissioner Brett McFadden over inconsistencies in statements regarding the body-worn footage.
Read the full article on news.com.au
Looking Ahead
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors remain at the forefront of this significant legal battle, pursuing justice for Hannah Thomas both in criminal proceedings and through potential civil litigation against the NSW government. As the case develops, it is likely to continue drawing national attention, with implications for policing, civil liberties, and protest rights across New South Wales.
Need a civil lawyer or have a media inquiry?
Contact us today if you need legal assistance or have a media inquiry.
📞 Call (02) 9261 4281
💬 Or enquire online for a confidential consultation.
