Community work for police assault

Jade Lloyd Alexander Koro has been sentenced to community work and supervision for assaulting a police officer and disorderly behaviour.

On September 3 about 1.35am police were called to Sydney Pl, where Koro had been drinking and had become upset.

As he was arrested, Koro swung his head back and forward and he and the officer involved ended up in a tussle on the ground.

In the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday, defence lawyer Stephanie Burlace said Koro had since gone to the police station to apologise to the officer he assaulted.

Ms Burlace said her client would prefer a fine because he wanted to be able to continue coaching a school sports team on Saturday, and he worked Monday to Friday as a line mechanic.

Judge Philip Crayton said the fact Koro had apologised to the officer, pleaded guilty and sought assistance for alcohol abuse was to his credit.

However, the judge said he needed to impose more than just a fine.

"Police officers are entitled to not be assaulted in this manner," he said. "But I bear in mind that community work would affect not only you, but others who rely on you."

Koro was sentenced to 100 hours of community work and 12 months' supervision.