A man who allegedly assaulted a police officer in court has pleaded not guilty to violence charges. Photo / File
A man who allegedly assaulted a police officer in court has pleaded not guilty to violence charges. Photo / File
A prisoner accused of attacking a police officer in court after being jailed last year has pleaded not guilty.
Napier Walker, 24, appeared before Judge Bridget Mackintosh in the Hastings District Court this morning and pleaded not guilty to obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty, causinggrievous bodily harm with intent and injuring with intent.
He was jailed on December 20 by Judge Tony Adeane for two years and 10 months for burglary, wilful damage, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Walker allegedly attacked the senior constable and an authorised officer while being moved from the Hastings courtroom to a cell after the sentencing.
Not guilty pleas to all charges were entered through his defence lawyer Leo Lafferty this morning, with a jury trial elected.
As of January this year, the senior constable had not yet returned to work, having sustained significant facial injuries, including a fractured eye socket.
It was said the authorised officer received medical treatment for chest and rib injuries and had since returned to full duty.
The maximum penalty for causing grievous bodily harm with intent is 14 years' imprisonment while injuring with intent is five years' imprisonment.
