Perth constable Matthew Butcher has been awarded a record $3.3 million ex-gratia payment by the West Australian government to cover injuries sustained during a vicious pub brawl two years ago.
Perth Constable Butcher was left partially paralyzed from severe head injuries after he was struck with a flying head butt when the cops were called to intervene during the fight ( between brawling family members) outside the pub.outside the Old Bailey Tavern in Perth’s northern suburb of Joondalup in February 2008.
The head butt left Constable Butcher unconscious and he was put into an induced coma. He spent several months in hospital undergoing a slow and painful rehabilitation. Constable Butcher continued to work with the WA Police in an administrative role and also lodged a claim with the WA Police Union for compensation of $5 million for various medical expenses.
Some mixed sentiments & comments on this story From watoday & news.com.au
Would a construction worker receive such a payment if injured in thier line of work? Not on your nelly, they have laws and contracts to prevent such payments. So why should the Police be any different? Setting the Police up as separate from the rest of society is dangerous and open for abuse. –Harry (Brisbane)
His dad was being tazered, an over reaction for sure, but not entirely unpredictable. When a family member is attacked, no matter what, your bound to react in some crazy way.
3.3 million, easy street now. Bozo
From what I see in the video, the Police very poorly handled the situation. The man who was tasered was not threatening anyone’s life, and it appears the other family member jumped on the cop to try to save his own father. It did not appear that he intended to cause the officer serious harm, just wanted to save his own father from further harm. Which is probably why he was properly found not guilty. If the cops had handled the situation better, Mr. Butcher probably wouldn’t have been injured the way he was….not that I think it’s his fault, and I do believe he deserved some compo. It looked to be nothing more than a pushing and shoving match and from what I can see, there was no need to start tasering anyone, because at that point no one’s life was in danger.-meinsydney
This cop is a parasite.
If you don’t want to break up fights then don’t become a bloody police officer!So he has to catch taxis now and is most concerned about not ageing gracefully? Pass the bucket please.-battler
I totally support your point of view. The compensation for the miitary is a tiny fraction of this award. It is a State political decision rather than on merit. And I agree the compensation for military personnel sucks.In all cases this award is way over what is reasonable, The guy has a full wage and is at least 80% moblle. Compare that to the diggers who have lost their legs and arms to IEDs – let alone the brain injuries. They get almost nothing.
This award is an insult to military personnel, Reserve and Full-time. –Jerry
I remember seeing the video of this, it was a despicable thing to do to this officer, the culprit should be ashamed of himself & I cannot understand why he got off? God luck to this officer & his wife, blessings for you both and a happy healthy child! – Waylander (posted on news.com.au)
