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A woman who was unlawfully strip-searched at a music festival in 2018 has been awarded $93,000 in damages.
Per ABC, the State has been ordered to pay $93,000 in damages to the woman who was strip-searched at Splendour in the Grass in 2018.
Supreme Court Justice Dina Yehia made the order on Tuesday after it was revealed in court that Raya Meredith was “unlawfully directed to remove a tampon” while naked during a strip search at the Byron Bay event.
The search did not uncover any drugs or illegal property of any kind.
“[Ms Meredith] was subjected to particularly humiliating treatment while at a total loss of liberty,” Justice Yehia said.
She continued: “The notebooks were noticeably silent as to what made the strip search necessary. The complete failure by police… clearly demonstrates to my mind that the statutory requirements were overlooked. Not one of the notebooks or [police database] entries identified what circumstances made the search necessary.”
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Justice Yehia ordered the state pay $93,000 in compensation and aggravated damages for assault, battery and false imprisonment.
It’s reported that the judgement could see thousands more who have alleged unlawful strip searches between 2016-2022 receive compensation.
“I can say with absolute honesty that I am glad it’s over,” Meredith said in a statement.
“It’s been harrowing and traumatising, yet at the same time I am incredibly proud of myself and my bravery, and the bravery of those whose voices back my own with their stories and experiences.”
It comes after it was revealed in April that the State made the admission that Meredith was unlawfully strip searched, saying in a statement at the time: “The State have also admitted that in the course of the strip search the plaintiff was unlawfully directed to remove a tampon and that a male police officer walked in when she was undressed.
“The admission by the State include that the strip search of the plaintiff constituted an assault, false imprisonment and battery.”
