Case Study – Wrongful Arrest

The Incident

Blaxland Law was engaged by the parents of three boys—aged 11, 14 and 15—who were wrongfully arrested at gunpoint in the backyard of a private home. Two of the boys had just returned from the shops with frozen drinks and met their friend at his house when they were suddenly confronted by multiple uniformed police officers. One officer pointed a firearm at them while another aimed pepper spray. The boys were forced to the ground, handcuffed, and detained without explanation. One of the boys suffered a panic attack during the ordeal. The boys were later released without charge or apology—police claimed it was a case of mistaken identity.

Legal Action Taken

Blaxland Law initiated proceedings in the District Court of New South Wales against the State of NSW, seeking aggravated and exemplary damages for false imprisonment, assault, and battery. Through subpoenas, we obtained police records revealing they had been searching for a single male of Pacific Islander appearance involved in an earlier altercation at a nearby train station. Our clients—three Caucasian boys with blonde hair and fair skin—clearly did not match the description. Despite this, police pursued and detained them without justification. Our legal team compiled and presented this compelling evidence, demonstrating the arrest had no lawful basis.

Outcome & Compensation

The State of NSW was forced to admit that the arrest was wrongful. Without the need to proceed to trial, the case was resolved with a settlement of nearly $250,000 in compensation to the boys and their families. This case highlights the importance of holding authorities accountable when excessive force and wrongful arrest occur—especially involving children.