The couple shot by police while attending a Melbourne swingers party are set to launch legal action against Victoria Police today, potentially seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages over the incident.
Dale Ewins, 35, and partner Zita Sukys, 37, were both shot at Inflation Nightclub by Critical Incident Response Team officers earlier this month.
Ewins and Sukys were dressed as The Joker and Harley Quinn for the costumed Saints and Sinners Ball, and police were called after Ewins was allegedly sighted with a handgun. The gun was later revealed to be a replica, and part of his Batman-themed get up.
Police arrived on the scene at 2.52am and liaised with staff and patrons at the club about the alleged weapon. An hour later, several heavily-armed CIRT officers stormed the room they were in. Within six seconds of entering, the first shots were fired.
Ewins was suffered injuries to his abdomen and shoulder, and Sukys was hit in the leg. Both have required surgery for their injuries, which were allegedly sustained while the couple were engaged in a “sexual act”.
The legal team representing Ewins and Sukys said civil proceedings would begin at the Supreme Court of Victoria, based on the allegation that police knew full well that the weapon was a replica before charging in. The Age reports a security guard had informed officers it was fake prior to the incident.
The pair are also seeking damages in relations to lost earnings, and the emotional trauma inflicted by the event. Inflation’s owner has also told the media she’d be taking her own legal action against Victoria Police in the coming weeks.
An investigation into the incident, conducted by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, is ongoing.
Source: The Age.
Photo: Channel 7.
