Members of the Australian Federal Police had allegedly falsely imprisoned an underage boy. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
As members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) allegedly falsely imprisoned an underage boy, he has been awarded almost $70,000 in damages.
While the settlement was approved earlier this year, it was revealed in a short ACT Supreme Court decision published this week.
There was an incident between the boy, who was aged under 18, and members of the AFP that resulted in him claiming damages for false imprisonment and battery, the ACT’s Chief Justice Lucy McCallum said.
The Commonwealth Government reached an agreed settlement with him, but this had to be approved by the court as he was a minor.
The boy’s barrister, Kieran Ginges, said he spoke to the boy, his litigation guardian and his father, and each of them was content with the settlement.
“I am satisfied that it is in the interests of justice for the court to give its approval to the settlement,” Chief Justice McCallum said.
She ordered the settlement of $69,500 to be paid to the public trustee and guardian, as well as for the government to pay the boy’s legal costs.
“ACT Policing notes the agreed settlement; however, it cannot provide further comment due to confidentiality provisions,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
“No disciplinary issues were identified in this matter.”
The boy’s solicitors, Hugo Law Group, were approached for comment but did not respond by time of publication.
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