Two police officers went on trial in Auckland today for attacks on students out celebrating St Patrick's Day.
Patrick Garty, 32, and Wiremu Bowers-Rakatau, 21, both constables, denied assault when they appeared in Auckland District Court.
The prosecution said the two off-duty policemen and a third officer were walking on High St in central Auckland in March last year, when they met a group of students heading home after St Patrick's Day celebrations.
After a verbal exchange the three constables went into the entrance of an apartment building and attacked two of the students, prosecutor Heidi Hook said.
She alleged Garty hit one student in the head and face, as Bowers-Rakatau kept the others at bay, kicking one of them in the knee.
The trial is expected to last three days. The prosecution said 29 witnesses would be called.
