A young Glenavy man who injured an Oamaru police officer, in what was described by Judge John Macdonald as a cowardly attack, has been jailed for two years and two months.
Joshua Teihoka Julius (20), a builder, appeared in the Oamaru District Court yesterday on charges of aggravated injuring of Constable Gaganbir Singh Dhillon, refusing to accompany police, drink-driving (600mcg) and dangerous driving on Thames Highway on February 21.
Benjamin Warren Smith (18), a panelbeater, of Oamaru, was sentenced to six months' home detention on a charge of aggravated injuring of Const Dhillon.
Julius, who had failed a breath-screening test, was required to accompany the officer, but walked away.
The constable began to follow Julius, who turned and approached him in an aggressive manner.
The constable used pepper spray, hitting Julius on the upper chest and lower facial area.
Julius again turned and walked off before turning and running swiftly and aggressively back at the officer.
An altercation ensued in which Smith pushed the constable to the ground and Julius punched him about the head.
The constable sustained bruising to his legs and arms and cuts and bruising to his face and head.
He was admitted to hospital overnight for observation.
Judge Macdonald said it was a cowardly attack.
The constable was in a vulnerable position, faced with six in a group.
Julius was the prime attacker while Smith only joined in a limited but significant way, Judge Macdonald said.
Probation reports indicated both defendants were remorseful and alcohol was seen as problematic for both.
Appearing for the Crown, Tim Gresson said Police Minister Judith Collins had referred this week to the increase in the number of convictions for assaults on police.
She had signalled Parliament intended amending legislation to make it an aggravating factor when a police officer was assaulted, Mr Gresson said.
"This court needs to send a very clear message generally that courts will not tolerate assaults on police officers," he said.
Julius was jailed for two years for the aggravated injury charge, with two months (cumulative) for dangerous driving and drink-driving.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay reparation of $231.25.
Smith was also ordered to pay reparation of $231.25.
