Tom Starling: Canberra Raiders gun to consider action against NSW Police after charge dropped

Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling has been cleared of hindering police during a wild bar brawl and his lawyer said they’re considering all options.

The lawyer of NRL star hooker Tom Starling said multiple options were being considered against NSW Police after the Canberra Raiders hooker was cleared of hindering police during a wild bar brawl in the Central Coast.

Tom, alongside brothers Jackson and Josh, and friend Jesse Byrne, were all charged following a violent brawl which marred birthday celebrations at Shady Palms Hotel in Avoca Beach in December 2020, which ended with the professional rugby league player being punched in the face by police officers.

Following an 11-day hearing, which began in May 2022, Magistrate Daniel Covington dismissed the charge tabled against Tom Starling of hindering or resisting police in the execution of duty at Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.

Outside court, Tom Starling said the verdict was a “huge weight” off his shoulders and he was now keen to focus on footy.

“I’ve always maintained I did nothing wrong and now I’m keen to get back to playing footy with my mates,” he said.

NRL gun Tom Starling (right) with his lawyer Samar Singh-Panwar outside Downing Local Court on February 10, 2023, after a charge of hindering police was dropped. Picture: Alexi Demetriadi

NRL gun Tom Starling (right) with his lawyer Samar Singh-Panwar outside Downing Local Court on February 10, 2023, after a charge of hindering police was dropped. Picture: Alexi Demetriadi

The Raiders hooker thanked his teammates and head coach Ricky Stuart “for never doubting me”, and his lawyer Samar Singh-Panwar, who alluded to a potential civil case.

“That (a lawsuit) is something that’s being considered and there’s certainly potential for a civil action case against NSW Police,” Mr Singh-Panwar said outside court.

Tom Starling posted this image to social media after the brawl outside the Shady Palms.

“The magistrate found the police weren’t acting in the execution of their duties, but more a street fight, which is something we’ve maintained from the outset.”

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed an investigation by the Professional Standards Command into the conduct of police officers at the Shady Palms was “ongoing”.

In dismissing the charge, Magistrate Covington noted how police officers had ceased to be acting in their duty when they delivered a “barrage of punches” to Tom Starling’s face.

“Clearly what occurred was nothing other than Tom being assaulted himself,” Mr Covington said. “I’m not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt they (the officers who punched Tom) were acting in execution of their duty.

Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling. Picture: Getty

Jackson Starling’s charges of hinder or resist police, Mr Byrne’s charges of hinder or resist police and assaulting police and Josh Starling’s two charges of assaulting police were all dismissed.

However, Josh Starling was found guilty of common assault and hindering police. All four men had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In sentencing Josh, Magistrate Covington noted his young age, clean record and the lengthy proceedings and handed the youngest Starling a conditional release order of 18 months, without conviction, for both charges.

🎥 NRL and Canberra Raiders gun Tom Starling entering Downing Local Court, alongside his two brothers, as they prepare to learn the verdict in relation to an alleged bar brawl in late 2020 👇 More to come. pic.twitter.com/9VI8OA2UIF

— Alexi Demetriadi (@ADemetriadi) February 9, 2023

The Starling brothers previously gave evidence of the heavy handed response from police officers and security guards, with the court hearing Josh Starling had pushed security guard Khan Morris after allegations he had called Starlings’ mum a sl*t.

Magistrate Covington said objective evidence pointed to a slur being used.

In footage previously shown in court, Tom was seen being punched in the face multiple times by an officer as the brawl escalated.

Jackson Starling, Tom’s older brother, told the court he feared “for mine and Tom’s life”.

“I thought they were going to kill my brother,” he said.

Security guard Morris has since been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the matter and appeared at Gosford Local Court in January. He has pleaded not guilty.