Sentencing adjourned for assault cops

Gareth John Needham, 38, and Alan Michael Douglas, 32, were both found guilty of assault. Photo / Doug Sherring

Two police officers found guilty of assaulting a teenager had their sentencing adjourned today because the judge was not available.

Gareth John Needham, 38, and Alan Michael Douglas, 32, were both found guilty of assault by a jury in the Auckland District Court in December.

The Crown said Needham and Douglas assaulted Joshua Hart, 18, who had been drinking with up to 50 people at a West Auckland park in February.

The charges followed complaints by two other officers who were sent there to disperse the crowd.

Figures released last year showed more than 200 police were under investigation for assault and using excessive force.

- NZPA