We welcome the news that a New South Wales police officer has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the violent arrest of our client, Hannah Thomas.
This significant development marks an important step towards accountability, but it is not the end of Thomas’ legal journey against the police.
The Arrest and Injury of Hannah Thomas
Hannah Thomas, a human rights lawyer and former Greens candidate, was among several people peacefully protesting outside SEC Plating in Belmore, where demonstrators alleged parts were being manufactured for the F-35 fighter jet program.
During the operation, Thomas was violently arrested and suffered a severe eye injury. She was hospitalised and required two rounds of surgery, with a third still scheduled.
In the days that followed, police charged Thomas with several offences. Those charges have since been withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Since the beginning of this case, we have also stated Thomas’ prosecution was unsustainable.
Costs Awarded for Criminal Proceedings
Last week, our criminal solicitors had a great win in court representing Hannah Thomas. The court ordered costs in excess of $40,000 across the four Belmore protest cases, including $21,000 for Hannah Thomas alone.
The decision reflects what we have consistently argued: these cases should never have been brought. The withdrawal of charges and award of costs highlights the heavy toll of unnecessary prosecutions on individuals exercising their democratic rights.
Read our other successful criminal case studies.
Officer Charged With Assault
NSW Police have now confirmed that a 33-year-old senior constable attached to a specialist command has been charged over Hannah Thomas’s injuries. He is due to appear before Bankstown Local Court in mid-November 2025.
The officer’s employment status is currently under review. A critical incident investigation into the circumstances of Thomas’s arrest is being conducted by NSW Police Professional Standards Command. This investigation is under the oversight of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
Read more about when all criminal charges against Hannah Thomas were dropped.
Civil Proceedings to Follow
While the criminal charges against Hannah Thomas have been dismissed, and costs awarded, the story does not end here.
We are filing civil proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW on behalf of Ms Thomas, alleging:
- Malicious prosecution,
- Abuse of process, and
- Malfeasance in public office.
Why This Case Matters
The right to protest is fundamental in a democratic society. The criminalisation of peaceful demonstrators, particularly when accompanied by serious police violence, undermines public confidence in law enforcement and threatens civil liberties.
However, a police officer being charged in this type of case is a rare and significant development. Yet, true accountability requires more than an individual being charged, it demands systemic reform to ensure these abuses are not repeated.
At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we remain committed to holding authorities to account. We fight for justice on behalf of those who have suffered unlawful treatment at the hands of the state.
Need a Civil Lawyer for Actions Against NSW Police?
If you’ve experienced police brutality by an NSW officer without justification, you may be entitled to compensation. O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors can help.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards resolution.
Call (02) 9261 4281
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Or enquire online for a confidential consultation.
