Joshua Mohetaue is charged with assaulting police on Christmas Day in Dargaville.
Joshua Mohetaue is charged with assaulting police on Christmas Day in Dargaville.
Firefighters and church members intervened to stop a prolonged mob attack on two police officers by partygoers on Christmas Day, a jury has heard.
One officer, Constable Ewen Cumming, was tackled to the ground and repeatedly kicked in the head before the attacker jumped on his head. The attack happenedon Tirirau Rd in Dargaville on December 25, 2013. Joshua Mohetaue, 30, is on trial in the Whangarei District Court on one charge of aggravated assault and another of injuring with intent to injure.
Crown prosecutor Kevin Patterson told a jury, of eight women and four men, Mr Cumming went to investigate reports of two men yelling obscenities, knocking over letter boxes, punching metal poles and concrete walls. He asked the police communications' centre for backup before he walked into a group of 20 people to arrest a man in relation to the mayhem.
Partygoers began yelling abuse as the man was taken to the police car. Constable Graham Gallaghan arrived and warned Mohetaue, with a Taser, not to obstruct.
Mr Patterson said Mohetaue was Tasered on the left arm but got up after a few seconds and tackled the constable to the ground. At this time, Mr Cumming was assaulted by another group, that included Mohetaue's partner Alissa Gooding.
Gooding, 27, pleaded guilty to one charge of injuring with intent to injure and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years' jail in December.
A third person, Stewart Anthony Tahere, 27, was jailed for 13 months in April 2013. He pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer and escaping from custody. Mr Patterson said members from the Mormon Church and volunteer firefighters bravely intervened.
