Moving photo emerges of beloved Sydney icon campaigning for cops to get paid more – before he was brutally arrested and left with a brain bleed
- Sydney activist Danny Lim, 78, arrested last month in Queen Victoria Building
- Mr Lim was arrested after security called police after allegedly refused to leave
- A new photo has emerged of Lim advocating for better pay, conditions for police
- Lawyer Chris Murphy shared and update about Mr Lim’s health condition online
- The violent arrest left him with brain damage, black eye, Sydneysiders outraged
An iconic Sydney activist who was violently arrested campaigned for better pay and conditions for police.
Danny Lim, 78, fell to the ground and was rushed to hospital when he was arrested by NSW Police officers at the city’s Queen Victoria Building on November 22.
Mr Lim suffered bleeding to the brain when he fell to the ground during the arrest, with a witness video going viral, sparking community anger and an internal police investigation.
As Mr Lim recovers at home, a new photograph emerged on Thursday showing Mr Lim campaigning for improved conditions for working cops.
Danny Lim (pictured) is known for wearing signs preaching love and happiness around Sydney
The image was shared by respected Sydney defence lawyer Chris Murphy on Twitter, as he continues to rally support for the icon.
Mr Murphy warned the ‘day is coming’ for the ‘few nasty coppers’ who mistreated his client.
‘Just remember Danny Lim as this happy friendly guy demonstrating for more pay for police.’
Viewers online shared their outrage, all agreeing that ‘[the police] need to be held accountable’ for what happened to Mr Lim.
One commented that it ‘Boils the blood to see such an innocent figure abused this way. I hope the cops who did this to him are held to the highest account’.
Another said that the ‘inner west legend’ is ‘loved by many’ and ‘spreads more joy than he knows’.
Criminal defence lawyer Chris Murphy said Mr Lim was waiting to talk to a friend when police told him to leave the building (pictured, Mr Murphy left and Mr Lim right)
The footage of Mr Lim that sparked anger shows the well-known Sydney identity being handcuffed and forced to the ground.
The 78-year-old is heard screaming ‘help’ as the officers place his hands behind his back and throw him down onto the ground.
A police spokesperson said officers ‘discontinued’ their arrest after Mr Lim’s head cracked against the tiled floors, leaving him with a subdural haematoma – a brain bleed – and black eye.
His lawyer Chris Murphy shared an update on Mr Lim’s condition on Monday, saying he was in a ‘very poor state’ and ‘unable to communicate clearly’.
‘Sydney icon’ Danny Lim was hospitalised following a violent arrest in the QVB last month. Picture: Chris Murphy
Shocked onlookers called for an ambulance for Mr Lim, after he was left with a bleed in the brain and a black eye. Picture: Chris Murphy
Mr Murphy updated Mr Lim’s supporters on his condition, saying he ‘needs two walking sticks to get around’.
‘He requires specialist medical help that will continue in two areas of damaged health.’
Late last month, dozens of protestors gathered outside Surry Hills Police Station after Mr Lim’s arrest, carrying signs making light of Mr Lim’s regular use of the word ‘CVNT’.
In a statement, NSW Police confirmed that an inquiry has been launched into the incident.
‘An independent review will examine the actions of police during the arrest of a 78-year-old man in Sydney’s CBD,’ the statement said.
‘As inquiries into the incident continue, an independent review has been launched, which will examine the actions of police during the incident.’
Protesters outside of Surry Hills police station after Sydney ‘icon’ Danny Lim had been hospitalised after being arrested by two police officers. Source: Facebook
This investigation will be overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), which monitors and investigates allegations of police misconduct.
‘The Commission will continue to closely monitor the progress of the police investigation of police contact with Mr Lim,’ an LECC spokesman said.
‘This includes considering the force NSW Police Force officers used as part of Mr Lim’s arrest.’