Assault charges brought against Sydney LGBT activist Bryn Hutchinson have been dismissed in a Sydney Court.
Hutchinson and his sister were both arrested on the evening of Sydney’s Mardi Gras. Mr Hutchinson and his sister Kate were stopped by police when tried to cross the road after the parade had finished.
Today Magistrate Eve Wynhausen dismissed all charges against Mr Hutchinson and his sister.
Hutchinson’s arrest, alongside the arrest of fellow reveler Jamie Jackson, who’s arrest was captured in confronting video footage, lead to calls for greater police accountability and concern that the NSW police conducts it’s own internal investigations.
Today outside the court Hutchinson renewed calls for the way police investigations are handled to be reviewed.
“It is unacceptable for police to investigate themselves; political action must be taken to establish independent oversight of police conduct,” Hutchinson told Sydney’s Star Observer.
Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich reiterated the same message.
“The government now needs to seriously consider the community’s call for an independent oversight body to investigate such matters,” Said Greenwich.
Mr Greenwich said it was vital that reform was carried out before Sydney’s 2014 Mardi Gras celebration.
OIP Staff
