Rixon v Star City Pty Ltd

The plaintiff, Mr Rixon, brought proceedings against the defendant, Star City Pty Ltd, alleging assault, battery, and false imprisonment. The dispute arose from Mr Rixon's detention within the Star City casino premises. The case was heard in the Court of Appeal of New South Wales.

The central legal issues before the court were whether the actions of Star City's employees in detaining Mr Rixon constituted assault and battery, and whether this detention amounted to false imprisonment. Specifically, the court had to determine if the detention was authorised by the relevant legislation governing casinos and the powers of casino operators.

The Court of Appeal found that the actions of Star City's employees did not amount to assault or battery. The court reasoned that the physical contact, which involved touching Mr Rixon's arm to get his attention and then escorting him, was not done with the intention of causing harm or offense, nor was it excessive. Regarding false imprisonment, the court held that the detention was authorised by section 14 of the Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW), which permits casino operators to detain persons who are excluded from the casino. The court concluded that Mr Rixon had been excluded from the casino, and therefore his detention was lawful.

The appeal was dismissed, and Star City Pty Ltd was awarded costs.