The executive escalated the investigation to the professional standards command following the briefing, sources have told the Herald.
“NSW Police has announced the investigation into alleged excessive use of force and assault of Hannah Thomas has been put under the command of NSW Police Professional Standards,” a statement from police reads.
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“The investigation will be incorporated into the critical incident investigation which is being oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.”
The revelation police are now investigating the case comes after Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden initially said there was no suggestion police had acted inappropriately. On June 30, McFadden told the ABC police were not investigating the potential for excessive use of force by officers.
McFadden said he had conducted a “preliminary review” of the body-worn video footage along with other senior officers.
There was “no information at this stage before me that indicates any misconduct on behalf of any of my officers”, he said at the time.
Thomas and the four other protesters arrested at the demonstration faced court for the first time this week. She has been charged with resisting police and defying a move-on order. Her case, which has been taken over by the Department of Public Prosecutions, was deferred until September.
Outside court her lawyer, Stewart O’Connell, criticised police for declining “an opportunity to show some accountability” and said they should consider charging an officer who allegedly punched Thomas during her arrest.
“The longer these charges persist, or every minute that these charges persist, is another minute of injustice,” he said.
“Not only should these charges be withdrawn, but serious consideration needs to be given to charging someone for the brutal, cowardly and despicable assault on Hannah Thomas.”
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