Assault on sergeant admitted

Photo / File

A young mother who threw a can of beer at a police officer did so because police had used "excessive force" against her friend, a court has heard.

Aroha Matkia Hinga, 25 of Wanganui, admitted one charge of assaulting a police officer when she appeared before Judge Chris Field in the Whanganui District Court this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Willemsen said that on October 20 Hinga was with friends when one was arrested. The defendant began to shout at the arresting officers and threw a half-full beer can at one.

Hinga, who has three children under 5, also tried to kick the officer between the legs. She later admitted her actions to police and said she was sorry.

Assigned counsel Stephen Ross told the court Hinga's record was "not that fantastic in terms of assault" and said that her last such charge was also against a police officer.

"She said police had exercised excessive use of force in arresting her friend," Mr Ross said.

Judge Field, reading from the victim impact statement, said the police officer concerned was an experienced sergeant and felt such behaviour was "completely unnecessary".

"He points out the risks to police in such situations and asks for help from the judiciary to prevent such incidents in future.

"Unfortunately there's not much the judiciary can do, other than sentence this particular offender," Judge Field said.

Hinga was convicted and sentenced to 50 hours' community work.