Government Concedes Police Officer’s Actions Constituted Battery

The New South Wales government has officially admitted that a police officer used excessive force, constituting a battery, against a former Greens candidate during a pro-Palestine rally. Hannah Thomas, 35, was struck in the eye by a police officer wielding a torch at a demonstration in Belmore, south-west Sydney, in June of last year.

Thomas subsequently filed a civil claim against the state government, seeking compensation for injuries that led to hospitalization and multiple surgeries. She asserts that the assault resulted in permanent vision impairment.

Court documents indicate the government has acknowledged Thomas suffered “harm and damage” when the officer punched her in the eye while holding a police torch. The official defense stated, “The State admits the first and third use of force constituted a battery.”

Legal Proceedings and Admissions

Thomas’ legal team presented a detailed account of the incident, which the state lawyers agreed with. The statement outlined that the officer “punched the Plaintiff’s right eye with his right hand, causing the Plaintiff to scream, as well as causing immediate bleeding and swelling.” It was also confirmed that the officer was holding a police torch at the time of the punch.

Previously, Thomas had faced charges including hindering or resisting police and refusing to comply with a dispersal order. However, these charges were withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions last year, and Thomas was awarded legal costs. Her lawyers also pursued a claim of unlawful arrest and false imprisonment, arguing that the arresting officers lacked reasonable grounds to suspect an offense had been committed. The government conceded this point.

Damages and Medical Costs

Legal representatives for Thomas indicated she will be entitled to damages and that the government has offered to cover her “reasonable” medical expenses. Despite these admissions, the government has denied breaching its duty of care by initially pursuing charges against her.

The incident occurred on June 27, 2025, during a protest outside SEC Plating. Demonstrators alleged the company supplied components for aircraft used in operations against Palestinians, a claim SEC Plating denied. Police had issued an order for protesters to disperse, leading to Thomas and four others being charged. Notably, charges against four of the five protesters were subsequently dropped.

NSW Police have stated they are unable to comment on the matter as it remains before the courts.