Overview
- The 33-year-old senior constable was issued a further charge of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, in addition to a September charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
- Recklessly causing grievous bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, compared with five years for the assault charge.
- Thomas suffered a serious right-eye injury during the June 27 protest at SEC Plating in Belmore and has undergone multiple surgeries, with her lawyers describing the injury as ongoing.
- The officer is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on November 18, and NSW Police say he is being managed in the workplace with his employment status under review.
- A critical incident investigation overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is ongoing, and prosecutors previously dropped all charges against Thomas, who was awarded more than $22,000 in costs as she pursues a civil claim.