A woman twice assaulted by a Sydney police officer and then framed as the aggressor is set to sue NSW for battery and unlawful imprisonment.
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Senior Constable Mark Follington, 61, faces jail time after being found guilty of perjury and four other offences by a Sydney court on Thursday.
In May 2019, the 11-year veteran violently arrested Anya Bradford, then 24, after she told him to "f*** off" and tried to leave a Liverpool pub when asked for ID.
Follington prevented her from leaving and shoved her into an ATM.
But he charged her with assaulting him, claiming she pushed him first, causing him to lose his balance.
"He knew there was no assault in the poker machine room but created a false account in any event," magistrate Michael Crompton said.
The magistrate also found the arrest was unlawful, with Ms Bradford under no requirement to show ID to police.
In a statement on Friday, lawyers for Ms Bradford confirmed they will file a civil claim against the state of NSW.
"The proceedings are to be imminently filed in the NSW District Court and allege a range of police misconduct including assault, battery, unlawful imprisonment, and malicious prosecution," O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors said.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ms Bradford's mother emphasised that not all police were bad.
"But the ones that are not doing what they should be doing legally should be held accountable," Elizabeth Bradford said.
"No parent wants to see their son or daughter treated in that way."
She said her child believes she was targeted because she identifies as transgender.
NSW Police said Follington's duty status would be reviewed, following the court's decision on Thursday.
The senior constable is currently suspended with pay.
Australian Associated Press
