National Rugby League sensation Tom Starling is gearing up for a legal battle against the New South Wales Police. After a video emerged showing Starling being punched by officers during an altercation, he is now seeking damages amounting to $1 million.

The incident and allegations

The incident in question occurred over two years ago during a bar brawl at a nightclub in Terrigal. The Starling brothers were present at the Shady Palms Hotel for a 21st-birthday celebration when the altercation erupted. CCTV footage captured an officer repeatedly striking Tom.

Earlier this year, the courts exonerated the brothers of any wrongdoing related to the incident.

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Starling’s lawyer, Paul McGirr, representing the Starling brothers – Jackson, Josh, and Tom – alleges that his clients fell victim to a case of “malicious prosecution, battery, and unlawful conduct” by the police.

Paul McGirr stated, “We are looking to take action against the NSW Police Force and the police individually as they were, as I see it, acting outside their police powers. Furthermore, they went a step further and charged my clients with criminal offenses. Therefore, I say it has the hallmarks of a malicious prosecution. Other actions we are looking at include battery, mental injury, and unlawful conduct.”

Regarding the potential compensation claim, Mr. McGirr believes it could exceed $1 million. While he refrains from revealing an exact figure, he points out the substantial impact on the earning capacities of his clients.

McGirr drew a parallel to Brittany Higgins’s case. She received compensation in the millions for the loss of future earning capacity due to emotional and physical damage.

Ongoing investigation and financial burden on Tom Starling

Last month, Tom Starling spoke about the emotional and financial strain this controversy has placed on him and his family.

He said, “We might need to sell the family house we grew up in to keep paying these legal fees we have been trying our best to get our way through.”

The NSW Police have confirmed an investigation into the officers involved after Starling was cleared of assaulting police during the scuffle at the Shady Palms bar in Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast in December 2020. The Professional Standards Command is leading the criminal investigation into the actions of the officers involved in the incident.

Tom Starling has an impressive career record in Rugby. The Canberra Raiders Hooker secured the prestigious Newcastle Knights Carlson Club-Andrew Johns Medal for the best under-18s player.

Subsequently, he earned the S. G. Ball Cup Player of the Year award for the best under-18s player in September 2015. From 2015 to 2017, he played for the Newcastle Knights’ National Youth Competition team before re-signing with the club in September 2017 for a one-year contract.

Since signing for Canberra Raiders, he has scored 40 points in 79 games and featured in every game of the 2022 NRL season.

Future implication and expectations

Consequently, Tom Starling’s decision to pursue legal action against the New South Wales Police for the alleged assault has garnered attention. With the lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages, the case is poised to unfold in the coming months.

As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings progress, the question remains. Will justice prevail for Tom Starling and his brothers, or will this battle against the police system prove to be an uphill struggle?

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What are your thoughts about this incident? Do you believe Tom Starling’s claims against the NSW Police are justified?