Samaritans 'gutted' by charges

Munro Waerea says none of his group were given a chance to explain that they were trying to help. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A Maori couple say they are gutted at having to return to Australia to face charges of obstructing police after trying to help a severely injured man.

Kararaina Ngoungou and Munro Waerea, both 24, were holidaying at Surfers Paradise at the weekend when they found a man lying in a pool of blood.

They tried to check for a pulse and find where the man's wounds were but police pepper-sprayed the couple and three of their friends before arresting the two and another acquaintance who lives in Australia.

The couple believe they were targeted as troublemakers because they are Maori.

The trio are to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on August 3. Ms Ngoungou said she was surprised to learn of the charges yesterday. "We're gutted. We don't want to go back."