Hannah Thomas: Cops get longer to defend protester's case
A civil claim brought by an ex-Greens candidate punched in the eye during a pro-Palestine protest is stagnating, with police again asking for more time.
Police are requesting even more time to defend a lawsuit brought by a federal Greens candidate who was maimed during a protest.
Hannah Thomas suffered a serious eye injury that required surgery when she was arrested outside a Sydney firm on June 27 during a protest over weapons being supplied to Israel.
The 35-year-old faced criminal charges that have since been withdrawn, while Senior Constable Christopher Davis has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm over the violent altercation.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But Ms Thomas’ civil claim against NSW Police, which alleges malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office, has stagnated, with the state requesting more time to prepare a defence.
In the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, her frustrated lawyer Anavi Arya said it was the second time police had requested an extension and called it “quite excessive”.
Ms Arya said they had already provided the extra details supporting their claim requested at the previous court date.
“The state has had enough time to consider a defence,” she told the court.
Lawyer James Knez said members of the police force referenced in the lawsuit were so senior that it required more time to defend.
“There are allegations made against quite senior members of the police force ... the exact torts they’re said to have committed haven’t been pleaded,” he said.
“It shouldn’t matter who they are,” court registrar Jennifer Hedge replied.
The police were granted the extension and the matter will return to court on May 5.
Ms Thomas’ lawyer said her side had served all material requested including medical records, tax details and psychological evidence.
A magistrate has previously ordered police to pay costs amounting to $39,435 to four demonstrators, including $21,000 to Ms Thomas.
Ms Thomas, who stands about 155cm and weighs about 45kg, was charged with hindering or resisting police and two counts of refusing to comply with a move-on direction before the allegations were formally withdrawn earlier in September.
Peter O’Brien, the lawyer acting for Ms Thomas at that time, said the injuries were extremely serious and her long-term prognosis was still unknown.
Ms Thomas unsuccessfully ran for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s inner-west Sydney seat of Grayndler at the 2025 federal election.
