The lawyer for a man who was slammed into the floor of Melbourne’s Flinders St railway station by a police officer says the incident cause a “severe psychiatric reaction”.
Kim Bainbridge, the principal of Garden and Green Lawyers, said the incident, in September 2021, compounded the man’s previous trauma and he would be taking legal action.
In video of the confronting incident, Mr Bainbridge’s client is approached from behind and thrown to the ground by a Victoria Police officer.
“He had pre-existing mental health issues which have been exacerbated by thexjmtzyw trauma that he suffered at the hands of this police officer,” Mr Bainbridge said.
“Until we get all the medical evidence together we won’t be in a position to commence any negotiations.”
Mr Bainbridge also wished to thank the member of the public who filmed the incident, which horrified countless Victorians after it was shared.
“We’re just very grateful for the good Samaritan who had the presence of mind to capture it on film,” he said.
“Without that evidence it may have made the case a great deal more difficult.”
The officer involved was suspended after the footage first surfaced and has since been charged with recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault and common law assault.
