Home detention and reparation for Whanganui man who assaulted a police officer

A Whanganui policeman was left with multiple injuries when he was punched in the face while in the line of duty. Photo / Bevan Conley

A police officer was attending an incident at Whanganui address when he was king hit in the line of duty.

Madison O'Hagan-Laing got into a crouch position, clenched his hand into a fist and launched at the officer.

O'Hagan-Laing appeared in Whanganui District Court this week for sentencing and Judge Charles Blackie said the strike was of such force that it knocked the officer to the ground.

"For a short time he lost consciousness and later he was diagnosed as having a broken nose, I'm told a fractured cheekbone, a black eye and severe swelling to his face," the judge said.

"I have to say that the court normally takes a fairly dim view of assaults on police."

Judge Blackie sentenced O'Hagan-Laing to eight months' home detention on a charge of wounding with intent to injure with reckless disregard.

He said that police have a very difficult job to do in the community.

"They go out each day and every time they go to work they're putting themselves at risk.

"They have to deal with members of the public sometimes who are not in an appropriate frame of mind and that turned out to be the situation with you."

Lawyer for the defence Stephen Ross said that his client showed insight into the way alcohol affects him and was working on his anger issues.

O'Hagan was warned that this was his first strike on the three strike policy and Judge Blackie also ordered him to pay $500 emotional harm reparation.