The New South Wales government has formally admitted that a police officer punched pro-Palestine protester Hannah Thomas in the eye while holding a torch, and has agreed to cover her medical costs following the incident.

Court documents filed in the NSW Supreme Court reveal the state has conceded claims of false imprisonment and battery in response to a civil lawsuit launched by Thomas, a former Greens candidate, in October. The state has denied allegations of malicious prosecution and malfeasance in public office.

Thomas was one of five people arrested and charged during a small pro-Palestine protest attended by around 60 people at SEC Plating in Sydney in late June 2025. All charges against Thomas and three other protesters were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions three months later.

The 36-year-old sustained serious injuries to her right eye, requiring three rounds of surgery. According to her statement of claim, at the time of the incident she weighed 45kg and stood 156cm tall.

The statement details the alleged assault: “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. At the time of the punch, Senior Constable Davis was holding a torch in his right hand.”

In its defence filed in April, the state admitted the conduct “as pleaded” by Thomas and acknowledged that the use of force constituted a battery. The government also accepted liability for harm and general damages resulting from the punch.

Thomas’s lawyers are seeking further damages in the civil action.The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding police conduct at protests in New South Wales. The admission comes as civil proceedings continue in the Supreme Court. (ILKHA)