Zarounas v State of New South Wales [2026] NSWSC 1159

Zarounas v State of New South Wales [2026] NSWSC 1159 concerns an imprisoned plaintiff’s application for leave to maintain a damages claim arising from alleged childhood sexual abuse by a public school teacher. The key issue was whether the requirements of ss 4 and 5 of the Felons (Civil Proceedings) Act 1981 (NSW) were satisfied, including whether the claim was an abuse of process and had a prima facie basis. Lonergan J found the pleaded allegations and psychiatric evidence established an arguable claim. Leave was granted nunc pro tunc from 28 May 2026, with the motion’s costs made costs in the cause.