Man admits biting police officer on chin after chase

A Rotorua man has admitted biting a police officer on the chin after the constable was called to an alleged domestic dispute.

Warren George Bowden, 25, Rotorua, pleaded guilty in the Rotorua District Court yesterday to a charge of aggravated assault on Constable Rodney Pola on June 15.

Bowden has pleaded not guilty to injuring his partner Nigel Maynard with intent to injure him.



Police were called at about midnight to a Hilda St house where Bowden and Mr Maynard had been drinking alcohol together.

Police tried to speak to Bowden but he ran off.

Constable Pola chased him and caught up to him.

There was a scuffle, during which Bowden lunged at the police officer and bit him on the side of the chin.

He initially denied assaulting the police officer, saying he had just fallen on to him.

Constable Pola had cuts and grazes on his chin and cheek.

Judge James Weir remanded Bowden in custody for sentencing on September 18.

Bowden will also appear in court on September 8 for a defended hearing in relation to the charge of injuring with intent to injure.