NSW: Man assaulted by police still traumatised two years later

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2001
NSW: Man assaulted by police still traumatised two years later

SYDNEY, Aug 17 AAP - A man awarded more than $200,000 for being dragged out of a car
by police and searched at gunpoint two years ago was still traumatised by the event, his
lawyer said today.

Andrew Jackson, 34, sued the State of NSW for being assaulted by police when they stopped
the car he was a passenger in near the northern end of the Sydney harbour tunnel during
the early hours of March 26, 1999.

"He's still showing signs of traumatisation and the evidence is that he will continue
to receive treatment for some period into the future," barrister Richard Wood said.

Mr Wood said the behaviour of the four State Protection Group officers on the night
was "a gross overreaction".

Mr Jackson was pulled out of the car and forced to face a guardrail with his hands
and feet spread while being searched at gunpoint.

Today in the NSW District Court, acting Judge Alan Hogan found that while Mr Jackson
was not physically injured "he was terrified during the assault to the extent of suffering
a spectacular panic attack".

Judge Hogan found the assault reactivated and exacerbated a previous psychological
disorder brought on by the gunshot suicide of a friend in 1986.

Mr Jackson has been diagnosed with a severe post traumatic stress disorder.

Police claim they stopped the car because they became suspicious when the vehicle was
driven at about 60kph in a 80kph zone and that the rear passenger, Mr Jackson, turned
back to look at their following vehicle and then disappeared from view.

Judge Hogan found the police were not justified in stopping the car and any suspicion
they claimed they had about the car and its occupants was not reasonable.

No-one in the car was arrested and they were allowed to go on their way after police
searched the car.

Judge Hogan awarded Mr Jackson $229,667 in damages.

AAP gl/jjs/mg/bwl

KEYWORD: JACKSON LEAD

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