Apology to police over birthday bash

Alani Alefaio said he wanted to apologise. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey.

A man accused of injuring two police officers says he would like to apologise to them in person.

Alani Taui Alefaio was arrested yesterday morning after he attacked the officers while they were trying to break up a domestic dispute at his West Auckland home.

It is alleged the 21-year-old punched Acting Sergeant Jason Ware up to five times before hitting him in the face with a pot and about the body with a walking stick.

Constable Alisse Robertson was allegedly punched in the collarbone with so much force she was thrown against a wall.

The officers' injuries included broken ribs, a broken thumb and severe bruising.

At the Waitakere District Court yesterday Alefaio said he was sorry about what had happened.

He said he had been celebrating his birthday at home in Henderson and had drunk too much.

"I think I made my mum scared and she rang the cops."

Police arrived at 11.30pm on Wednesday and talked to the others at the house, who decided they did not want to lay a complaint.

The officers left but were called back just after midnight and, when told to leave again, decided to wait outside in anticipation of further problems. West Auckland acting area commander Inspector Scott Webb said the officers warned Alefaio for trespass but he got violent.

As Ms Robertson tried to restrain him she was punched.

Alefaio told the Herald he just wanted the police to leave so he could go to bed. He feared he would be arrested if they stayed.

"I told them that I wanted them to leave me alone. I didn't want to get arrested."

The officers used pepper spray on Alefaio after taking him outside.

They did not want to use the spray inside for fear it would harm other occupants, including five young children.

Asked how he felt about the injuries the officers had suffered, Alefaio said: "I feel sorry for the lady. I didn't mean to do it. I want to see the lady and the guy so I can apologise."

Alefaio's father, Taui, said he was shocked to learn of the charges his son was facing and he would be speaking with him about his actions.

"He shouldn't do that because [the officers] were doing their duty."

Police say a 16-year-old male also became involved in the assault at one stage and he too is facing charges.

The teen, who is due to appear in the Waitakere District Youth Court today, has automatic name suppression because of his age.

Mr Webb said he was full of praise for the way Mr Ware and Ms Robertson handled themselves, especially in continuing with the arrest after they were injured.

He expected it would be at least a week before they were back at work.

They were discharged from Auckland City Hospital yesterday after being treated for their injuries.

Mr Webb said while the assault on the officers was concerning it was not uncommon.

In the 2004-05 year there were 1869 assaults on police staff, including 87 with a weapon.