Two police officers, Sergeant Evan Huw Prowse, 38, and Senior Constable Steven Lockwood Brown, 50, are contesting accusations of assault against Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling during a brawl at a tiki bar in December 2020. The incident occurred during Starling’s 21st birthday celebration, where he was present with his family at Shady Palms restaurant on the New South Wales Central Coast. Tensions escalated after Starling’s mother was allegedly insulted by a security guard, leading to a physical confrontation.
Footage presented in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court depicted the confrontation escalating into chaos, with Josh Starling, Tom’s brother, confronting the security guard. It was during this melee that Prowse reportedly struck Tom Starling in the face twice, causing him to fall. Meanwhile, Brown allegedly delivered four blows to Starling and missed a fifth. The prosecution described these actions as “gratuitous and unnecessary violence,” amounting to illegal assault.
In defence, the officers’ lawyer, Tim Lowe, argued that their response was justified as Tom Starling had placed a hand on a service firearm belonging to a third officer, suggesting a significant threat was present. Lowe maintained that the use of force was appropriate given the circumstances, considering Starling’s physical capability which could allow him to exert control over the officers amid the tumultuous scene.
In addition to the allegations against Tom, Prowse was also accused of assaulting Jackson Starling, another brother. Both officers have pleaded not guilty to the respective charges. The court heard that the arrival of the riot squad heightened the already “volatile” atmosphere, but Lowe claimed the Starling brothers were aggressive, intoxicated, and refused to cooperate, thus portraying them as the instigators.
Ultimately, the court previously cleared Tom Starling of any wrongdoing in connection with the brawl, concluding that the police had exceeded their authority when they struck him. A magistrate found that the altercation was sparked by the security guard, who reportedly called Tom’s mother a derogatory term, an allegation that the guard denies. He is expected to testify in the ongoing proceedings before Magistrate Lisa Graham. Tom Starling has played 116 games for the Raiders following a brief stint with Newcastle.