Sisters of Murdered Police Officer Launch Legal Action Against Victoria Police
The sisters of slain police officer Neal Thompson have initiated bombshell legal proceedings against Victoria Police, alleging they have been ignored and raising serious concerns about the tactics employed on the tragic morning their brother was killed in Porepunkah. More than seven months after Dezi Freeman murdered their brother, the anguish continues to rage for Dianne Thompson and Lois Kirk, who are now suing the force over Neal's death.
Allegations of Neglect and Invisibility
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, the sisters expressed their profound disappointment, stating, "We expected heartbreak, but we did not expect to feel invisible." They detailed being left without support, with no one to speak to face-to-face or offer a comforting hand on their shoulder during this devastating time.
The sisters claim they were excluded from memorial events, including a wreath-laying ceremony by Princess Anne in November, and assert that critical questions remain unanswered regarding why elite siege-trained police units were not deployed on that fatal August morning.
Legal Focus on Risk and Tactical Decisions
The lawyer representing Thompson's sisters has indicated that the core of their legal case will center on the risks officers faced at Freeman's property last year. They argue that Victoria Police should have been aware Freeman posed a threat to law enforcement and that specialized squads should have been sent in instead of regular officers.
Across two pages and nearly 1000 words, Thompson and Kirk have meticulously documented their feelings of being sidelined and ignored since their brother's death in the line of duty, highlighting a perceived lack of accountability and support from the force.
Broader Legal Actions and Community Impact
The same legal team is also pursuing a lawsuit against Victoria Police on behalf of another couple who were pulled over and held at gunpoint during the search for the double murderer. This has sparked further consideration of similar actions within the community.
One Myrtleford man, who claims to suffer from PTSD after being raided nearly a dozen times, shared his traumatic experience, stating, "My blood pressure was 120 by 250, and they thought I was going to have a stroke." He added that many others who were raided continue to endure severe trauma, underscoring the widespread impact of these incidents.
Police Response and Future Proceedings
Victoria Police has acknowledged the concerns raised by Thompson's family, stating that they have been in contact since the incident and have now implemented dedicated liaison officers to provide assistance. However, any formal legal proceedings will be deferred until after the coroner's inquest, ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Neal Thompson's death.
