NSW Officer Found Guilty of Assaulting Teens During Batemans Bay Arrest

Senior Constable Brett David Lindsay of the New South Wales Police has been found guilty of assault and excessive use of force during the arrest of two teenage boys in Batemans Bay in October 2023. The incident, which unfolded during a police investigation into a suspected home invasion, has sparked renewed scrutiny over law enforcement conduct and accountability.

The case hinged on body-worn camera footage showing Lindsay forcefully grabbing a 14-year-old boy and throwing him onto a concrete floor. During a separate scuffle with a 17-year-old, Lindsay delivered what he described as a “distraction strike” to the teen’s collarbone, claiming he feared the boy might reach for his gun or handcuffs.

Magistrate Doug Dick rejected Lindsay’s justification, stating the officer “had no intention of de-escalating the situation” and that the force used was unreasonable under the circumstances. The footage also captured Lindsay pinning the older teen to the ground with his knee pressing into the boy’s stomach, further intensifying concerns about the officer’s conduct.

The 17-year-old, who testified in court, expressed disbelief at being struck by a police officer at his age. Lindsay, who pleaded not guilty to six charges, has since been suspended from duty and was sentenced to a two-year community correction order.

The ruling underscores the growing demand for transparency and restraint in policing, especially when dealing with minors. As public trust in law enforcement continues to be tested, this case may serve as a pivotal moment in shaping future standards of police accountability in Australia.