Daughter sues Bunnings over dad’s death after security guards put him in a headlock

A girl whose father died after security guards at a Frankston Bunnings restrained him in a headlock for allegedly shoplifting is suing the hardware giant.

Anthony James Georgiou died after an altercation with security guards at a Bunnings in Frankston. Picture: David Mariuz

A daughter whose father died after he was put in a headlock by security guards at Bunnings Warehouse is suing the retail giant and the officers involved.

Anthony James Georgiou, 31, had allegedly stolen a gas cylinder and saw blade when he was tackled to the ground by subcontracted loss prevention officers Abdul Habib Brenzai and George Oyee at Bunnings Warehouse in Frankston in September 2016.

He was restrained while they waited for police but fell unconscious before he was taken to hospital, where he died later that day.

Mr Georgiou’s daughter, who the Herald Sun has chosen not to name, has launched legal action against the security guards, claiming her father died as a result of a prolonged assault which was “intentional, reckless and/or negligent”.

In a writ filed to the County Court, the daughter accuses the security guards’ employer New Security Solutions Group of negligence for failing to properly train or supervise the men.

Bunnings has also been named as a litigant for allegedly failing to provide the security guards and their employer with the hardware company’s Code of Conduct which outlined their obligations when detaining people.

Anthony James Georgiou died after an altercation with security guards at Bunnings.

In her claim, Mr Georgiou’s daughter says she is seeking compensation for injury, loss and damage that resulted from her father’s death.

In a statement, Mr Georgiou’s family said his death had left them “burdened with indescribable pain and sorrow”.

“Our lives have been forever altered by his devastating death and we wish those responsible could understand the profound impact their action or inaction has had,” they said.

“Most affected is Anthony’s daughter, who has lost the joy and security that her father provided; she now lives with a constant void in her heart.

“Bunnings and every other organisation must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of its customers and employees so that no other family has to suffer through a similar loss as we have.

“We also hope Anthony’s death will serve as a powerful reminder to everyone about the importance of empathy and responsibility in our society.”

Slater and Gordon Public Liability Lawyer Neha Pratap said dependants of a person who had died due to the negligence of others were entitled to compensation.

“My client, through her litigation guardian, is exercising her legal rights to compensation following father’s death, which we say was avoidable,” she said.

“This is also an important public safety issue given a person was placed in a situation of danger that would have been avoided had the defendants taken reasonable care in the circumstance.”

Last year, coroner Darren Bracken found Mr Georgiou’s use of methamphetamine, his weight and a pre-existing heart condition contributed to his death but he would still be alive had he not been detained by the security guards.

“There seems little doubt that had Mr Georgiou not been involved in the struggle with Messrs Brenzai and Oyee, he would have walked away from Bunnings that day,” he said.

Bunnings Director of Store Operations Ben Camire said the company would defend the allegations.

“We’ve previously extended our sympathy to the Georgiou family. This matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings which we’ll be defending,” he said.

“As we’ve maintained through the extensive process to date, there’s nothing more important to us than the safety of our team and our customers.”

Bunnings said it expected its contracted security providers to employ people who had undergone industry training, held required licenses which are registered with the overseeing government department in Victoria and to monitor the delivery services provided by its staff.

New Security Solutions Group were contacted for comment.