Pressure remains over Mardi Gras police brutality

Gay rights groups and activists are encouraging the community to maintain pressure on NSW Police to address alleged bashings at this year’s Mardi Gras.

With internal police investigations to resolve allegations of police brutality against 32 year-old Bryn Hutchinson and 18 year-old Jamie Jackson still underway, some activists are concerned the matter might get swept under the carpet while other issues take precedence.

Gay activist Shayne Chester said the gay community was too easily distracted by insignificant issues and needed to focus campaigning on serious matters like police violence.

“I think that it’s unfortunate that shortly after the incident there was the rainbow crossing affair and suddenly everyone was doing chalk rainbows. I think it’s what they call bread and circuses,” he said.

“The stories about police brutality … and us demanding that we deserve better than to be bashed by the police, has been lost in the rainbow movement and the marriage movement and I think that’s very unfortunate.”

Cat Rose, co-convenor for Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH), said she was concerned the investigation would absolve police officers of responsibility for the alleged bashings and that it should be more transparent.

“We would like to be able to go to Mardi Gras next year and know that any violence committed by police is not going to be subjected to internal investigation. That they’re not going to send 1,000 police officers or anyone in full riot gear,” she said.

“We’ve been calling for the officers involved to be sacked, and for an apology to be made…I think that the police are relying on people to not be following up on what’s come of their internal investigation.”

Bryn Hutchinson, who was charged with assault of a police officer and resisting arrest, pleaded not guilty to the charges on April 5 and is set to re-appear in court on May 21. The police brief of evidence was served to Mr Hutchinson’s solicitor Peter O’Brien on May 5.

Mr O’Brien said they have subpoenaed CCTV footage from the City of Sydney Council and the Colombian Hotel, near where the offence is supposed to have occurred. Mr O’Brien is encouraging those with other footage to come forward.

“We’ve been informed that there were people who may have recorded the event on their phones or on other electronic recording devices, and we’d like them to make themselves known … if they can provide any such material,” he said.

NSW Police have refused to comment on the matter in detail until the outcome of the investigation, which was expected to run at least 90 days from its announcement in early March. They have said they will release a statement detailing the outcome when it is appropriate.

Meanwhile, Darlinghurst pub the Oxford Hotel has announced their ‘nude pool’ competition and cheap drinks given to members of the Harbour City Bears on Friday night will cease, after a visit from police, who notified them that both were against the law.

They have instead implemented a Happy Hour between 7pm and 9pm and ensured that ‘Furry Friday’ will continue.