Gay Mardi Gras violence inquiry

NINE'S A Current Affair has interviewed the victim of alleged police brutality during Mardi Gras. See the full segment here. Credit: NINE

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has released more footage of a Mardi Gras incident between a reveller and police which has sparked widespread outrage.

A Mardi Gras reveller who was handcuffed when police apparently threw him to the ground has been charged.

Jamie Jackson the Mardi Gras reveller at the centre of the YouTube clip. Picture: Facebook Source: The Daily Telegraph

POLICE have begun investigations into two separate incidents of alleged brutality involving revellers at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

In the first incident a man, 18, was arrested and charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest and using offensive language.

Footage on the website YouTube appears to show the man, Jamie Jackson, handcuffed and with a head wound, repeating: "I didn't do anything wrong."

A policeman is then seen to roughly push him to the ground and put a foot on his back, pinning him for about 20 seconds.

The incident allegedly happened about 10pm on Saturday on Oxford St near Riley St.

Police are also investigating officers' response to the alleged assault of another officer an hour later, near Crown St.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said police would investigate both incidents.

"We have not received a complaint from either of the gentlemen involved but we ourselves have initiated an internal complaints process," Mr Murdoch told the Wentworth Courier yesterday.

Police Minister Mike Gallacher said the Ombudsman would also review the incident.

The YouTube footage of the first incident also shows the officer telling a bystander to turn off a camera because its use was illegal.

Mr Murdoch said the demand was not part of police policy and it was against their media procedures.

More than 1000 extra officers assisted with Operation Cromwell at Mardi Gras, but Mr Murdoch said the allegations of brutality did not directly arise because western Sydney officers were brought into unfamiliar terrain.

In response to the Greens party suggestion that officers be screened before being assigned to an event such as the Mardi Gras he replied: "Leave policing to the police."

The two incidents and the graphic YouTube footage have tarnished what was planned as a parade celebrating the improvement of social acceptance of the gay and lesbian community on the event's 35th anniversary.

Mardi Gras organiser Peter Urmson said police presence in the three weeks of the Mardi Gras festival had been a lot stronger this year, and at times had been "heavy handed".

"We want a full, open and transparent investigation," he said.

"Mardi Gras was born out of the problem of police brutality and this shows there is still work to do.

"In prior years we've enjoyed a healthier relationship (with police) than we do today."

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