A 20-year-old man charged with the assault of the sole police officer at Kawhia early last year has pleaded guilty to one charge.
Jack Maikuku, father of the convicted man, outside the Hamilton District Court. Photo: RNZ / ANDREW McRAE
Jackie Maikuku originally faced two charges - aggravated assault and assault with intent to obstruct a police officer while doing his duty.
His trial was to have started in the Hamilton District Court on Monday but a last-minute deal was made and he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of obstruction. He has been sentenced to nine months in prison.
Constable Perry Griffin was attacked in full view of a large crowd at Kawhia wharf in January 2013 as he tried to arrest Maikuku on minor charges. Mr Griffin received bruising and grazing after being knocked to the ground.
Maikuku's father, Jack Maikuku, was also charged over the assault but that was later dropped.
Maikuku, who has been in custody since the incident, was expected to be released after reappearing in court on Monday afternoon.
His father says a complaint over how police handled the case is being referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. "There are still issues that need to be resolved as a result of this incident."
