Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas  leaves Bankstown Local Court today.
Share and Follow

A former Greens candidate whose protest arrest ended with police allegedly causing a serious eye injury has had the charges against her dropped.

But all three charges against the lawyer were withdrawn and dismissed at Bankstown Local Court today.

Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas  leaves Bankstown Local Court today.
Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas leaves Bankstown Local Court today. (Sitthixay Ditthavong)

“The director has directed no further proceedings,” the prosecution said.

The 35-year-old was among five people arrested as they rallied outside SEC Plating, an Australian firm reportedly linked to the manufacture of components for US fighter jets used by the Israeli Defence Forces, which the company has denied.

The other four – Zachary Schofield, 26, Shane Reside, 41, Brandon Eid, 24, and Holly Zhang, 29 – all pleaded not guilty in July to various charges relating to the protest and their arrests.

Those cases remain ongoing.

Former Greens candidate for Grayndler Hannah Thomas at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, August 27, 2025. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING
Former Greens candidate for Grayndler Hannah Thomas at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday, August 27. (AAP)

Thomas will seek legal costs for the proceedings, her lawyer Peter O’Brien said.

The arrests are subject to an internal NSW Police review, with external oversight by the police watchdog.

Thomas suffered an eye injury that required surgery.

A civil suit on behalf of Thomas against the state has also been flagged over a number of allegations, including assault and battery, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office and collateral abuse of process.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden previously said he didn’t observe any misconduct in officers’ body-worn camera footage of the incident.

Thomas had challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his inner-western Sydney seat of Grayndler at the federal election in May.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Discover the Best New Year’s Eve 2025 Festivities Happening Across Australia

With only a few hours left, Australians across the country are preparing…

Spectacular Fireworks and Chilly Dives: How the World Celebrated the End of 2025

10 … nine … eight … As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people…

2026 Brings Major Overhauls: Tax, Superannuation, Childcare, and Medicine Reforms Explained

As the calendar turns to 2026, Australia is gearing up for a…
Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock during a press conference at the Reserve Bank, after interest rates were left on hold. Tuesdsay, December 9.

Interest Rates in 2026: Will They Rise or Stay Steady?

Twelve months ago, mortgage holders were looking forward to a new year…
Sophia Begg models the viral tank tops that made her brand All For Mimi a hit among young female shoppers.

Discover the Morning Routine Trusted by Influencers, Olympians, and Executives Alike

Exclusive Insight: Morning workouts, 5 a.m. wake-up calls, and quality time with…

Trump Orders Withdrawal of National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland: Implications for Local Security

US President Donald Trump said he was withdrawing national guard troops from…

Tragedy Strikes Swiss Alps: Deadly New Year’s Eve Fire Claims Lives at Popular Bar

A tragic fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps has resulted…

Uncertainty Looms: What Makes This Summer’s Fire Season So Unpredictable?

Experts say Australia’s bushfire season is “particularly tricky” to forecast this summer,…