SYDNEY — New South Wales has admitted in court documents that a police officer punched Hannah Thomas in the eye while holding a torch at a pro-Palestine protest. The state acknowledged its use of force constituted battery and false imprisonment in its defense to a civil action filed by Thomas in October.
The state admitted the conduct by Senior Constable Christopher Davis caused harm and general damages. The state also offered to pay medical costs related to Thomas's injuries. It admitted Senior Constable Pir Ali Noohpoto grabbed Thomas before the punch, taking hold of her arms to remove her from a group of other protesters. The state admitted the force used by Noohpoto also constituted a battery.
Thomas was arrested and charged alongside four others at a protest in late June 2025. Approximately 60 people attended the protest outside SEC Plating, organized by Weapons Out the West. The group stated their concern that manufacturing companies, like SEC Plating, were providing components for weapons used in the conflict in Gaza.
Thomas was hospitalized after the incident and underwent three rounds of surgery on her right eye. Her legal team stated in court documents, "Senior Constable Christopher Davis punched the plaintiff's right eye with his right hand, causing the plaintiff to scream, as well as causing immediate bleeding and swelling in and from the plaintiff's right eye." They added, "At the time of the punch, Senior Constable Davis was holding a torch in his right hand."
The state denied claims of malicious prosecution and malfeasance in public office. The state argued that other officers used reasonable force to suppress a breach of the peace, asserting it was lawful and carried out in self-defense. The state agreed that after Thomas was punched and lay on the ground, officers discussed the punch. It also admitted Thomas was not allowed to leave, was directed to remain seated or standing near the incident, and that her eye remained closed and appeared injured.
The Director of Public Prosecutions dropped all charges against Thomas and three other protesters three months after the protest. Thomas had initially faced charges of resisting police and failing to comply with a direction to disperse. The state withdrew an emergency power charge in July and replaced it with an additional charge of failing to comply with a direction. Thomas was awarded 22,000 Australian dollars in legal costs. Assistant Police Commissioner Brett McFadden stated on June 30, 2025: "Preliminary examination of some of the body-worn video did not show any misconduct by any police officers." He added: "There is no doubt that the injuries sustained during the course of her arrest, that's not in dispute, and we're now looking to understand the full circumstances as to how that took place." The state legal defense stated: "The state has offered to pay the plaintiff's reasonable expenses connected with the injuries admitted by this pleading."