Cop accused of taxi attack pleads not guilty

The police officer accused alongside former All Black Sione Lauaki of damaging an Auckland taxi has today pleaded not guilty.

In the Auckland District Court, Constable Takao Cocker, 31, entered the plea to a charge of wilful damage.

His lawyer Sumudu Thode said diversion had been declined.

Diversion is a scheme run by police that allows some first or small-time offenders to avoid a conviction in exchange for performing set tasks or paying a donation to charity.

If that is done satisfactorily, the charge is withdrawn.

It is alleged Cocker and Lauaki, 32, attacked a taxi at Greenwoods Corner, Epsom, about 3.30am on December 13.

Court documents show Lauaki allegedly damaged the vehicle's CCTV camera and Cocker damaged a wing mirror.

Cocker will next appear in court in April, while Lauaki, 32, who has also pleaded not guilty, will appear this week.