NSW Supreme Court rules NSW Police Illegally Strip Searched & assaulted woman
A NSW woman has won $93k after the NSW Supreme court ruled her strip search unlawful.
Update — now under appeal
The State of New South Wales Government has filed its intention to appeal
A Landmark Legal Win for Privacy and Dignity
A NSW Supreme Court ruling has sent a powerful message to police forces across Australia after a woman won a $93,000 payout for an unlawful strip search at the 2018 Splendour in the Grass festival.
Raya Meredith, then 28, was ordered to remove all her clothing — including her tampon — inside a small tent after a drug-sniffer dog reacted near her. Police found nothing.
Justice Dina Yehia found the search illegal, degrading, and carried out without lawful grounds. The Court ruled the officers’ actions amounted to assault and battery, awarding Ms Meredith compensation for distress, humiliation, and aggravated damages.
This is the first victory in a class action involving more than 3,000 people strip-searched at music festivals between 2016 and 2022 — many of whom were never charged with an offence.
The Broader Issue: Strip Search Powers Under Scrutiny
Following the judgment, legal groups and human-rights advocates urged police to suspend strip searches of young people and festivalgoers.
Key concerns raised include:
Strip searches have become routine rather than exceptional.
Many were conducted without reasonable suspicion.
Some involved minors, or occurred in unsanitary, public or makeshift spaces.
Internal police reviews found training gaps and poor record-keeping about legal justification.
Advocates want independent oversight, mandatory data reporting, and new limits on how and when strip searches can be performed.
What the Law Says — and Why This Case Matters
Police powers have strict boundaries
Officers must have a reasonable belief that a search is necessary and proportionate. Mere intuition or a dog’s indication isn’t enough.Searches must protect dignity
Even when lawful, strip searches must be conducted privately, respectfully, and — where possible — by an officer of the same gender.Unlawful searches can attract compensation
Victims may sue for assault, battery, false imprisonment, or breach of statutory duty.Courts are willing to punish misconduct
The award of exemplary damages in Ms Meredith’s case signals that courts view such abuses as serious violations of human rights.National implications
Similar legal challenges may now arise in other states. Police forces across Australia are reviewing policies to prevent further liability.
What This Means in South Australia
While this ruling arose in NSW, its lessons apply directly to South Australian policing.
Under the Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA) and Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA):
Police must have reasonable cause before conducting a personal search.
Strip searches are a last resort and must be authorised by a senior officer or carried out only under urgent necessity.
Searches must occur in private, by an officer of the same gender, and with respect for privacy and dignity.
Evidence obtained from an unlawful search can be excluded in court, and victims may pursue civil compensation.
If you were searched unlawfully — even if you weren’t charged — you may be entitled to damages for distress, embarrassment, or breach of your rights.
What To Do If You Believe You Were Searched Unlawfully
Record details immediately — date, time, location, what was said, and who was present.
Ask for the officers’ names and badge numbers (if safe to do so).
Seek medical or psychological support if you feel distressed or violated.
Request a copy of any police report or search record.
Contact a lawyer experienced in civil rights and police misconduct for confidential advice.
How We Can Help
Our team helps South Australians who’ve experienced unlawful police searches, false arrest, or excessive force.
We can:
Assess whether a search was lawful under SA legislation.
Pursue compensation for distress, humiliation, or loss.
Lodge complaints with the Office for Public Integrity or Police Ombudsman.
Represent you in civil court if police conduct breached your rights.
Every person deserves dignity and fair treatment under the law. If police overstep, we’re here to stand on your behalf.
This OYBlog was created with AI assistance using sources from The Guardian, 30 Sept 2025 and News.com.au, 30 Sept 2025