Victoria Police has issued a formal, public apology and paid a substantial settlement to a woman wrongfully arrested and detained in a case of mistaken identity. Brooke Patterson received an apology from Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and a payout of $380,000 after a traumatic incident that saw her arrested at her Melbourne home in front of her young children.
The Arrest Based on Mistaken Identity
The ordeal began on October 5, 2021, when police officers arrived at Ms. Patterson's home in Melbourne's north. They were acting on an arrest warrant intended for another woman who shared the same first name, Brooke, and a similar date of birth. Despite Ms. Patterson providing her driver's licence and repeatedly asserting they had the wrong person, she was handcuffed and taken into custody.
She was detained for approximately four hours before the error was finally recognised and she was released. The psychological impact of the event, particularly it occurring in front of her children, was severe and long-lasting.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Victory
Brooke Patterson, represented by lawyers from Robinson Gill, took legal action against the state of Victoria. The case centred on the wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and the significant distress caused. In February 2024, the Supreme Court of Victoria ruled in her favour, finding the arrest unlawful.
Following the court's decision, negotiations led to a financial settlement. The state agreed to pay $380,000 in damages, covering the violation of her rights and the resultant psychological harm. Importantly, the settlement also mandated a formal, written apology from the highest level of Victoria Police.
A Formal Apology from the Chief Commissioner
In a significant move, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton authored a letter of apology to Ms. Patterson. The apology, dated March 18, 2024, was unequivocal. "I wish to apologise to you for your wrongful arrest and imprisonment on 5 October 2021," Commissioner Patton wrote.
He acknowledged the profound impact of the event, stating, "I recognise that being wrongfully arrested and imprisoned in front of your children was a traumatic event that has had a significant and lasting impact on you and your family." The apology has been made public as part of the settlement terms.
Ms. Patterson's legal team highlighted that while the apology and compensation are crucial, the case underscores a need for systemic change. They pointed to the necessity for improved police checks and procedures to prevent such errors of mistaken identity from occurring in the future.
For Brooke Patterson, the resolution brings a measure of closure after a years-long fight for justice. The public apology and substantial settlement serve as an official acknowledgment of the serious error and its consequences, while also raising important questions about police accountability and operational protocols in Victoria.
