Bashed constable laid low again

A Northland police officer who was hit over the head with an iron bar last year is off work again after surgery for cancer.

Senior Constable Graham Gough was the sole officer based at Mangawhai Police Station when he was struck 12 months ago while attending a complaint at the coastal community.

The blow severed an artery in his left temple - close to an injury he sustained from a blow to the head with a tyre iron while on the job in 1982.

He was off work for several months last year after the attack, and has now been laid low with sickness.

But Sergeant Paul Carstensen, of Wellsford, said the cancer prognosis was good.

"They have operated and confirmed they have got it all and he is back on the road to recovery."

Mr Gough was expected back at work next month.

He could not be contacted for comment.

Despite last year's serious assault, Mr Gough said at the time he did not take the attack personally.

A Northland labourer pleaded guilty at the North Shore District Court last December to a charge of assaulting Mr Gough with a weapon.

Lindsey Newdick, 20, was sentenced to 280 hoursof community work and supervision for two years.

- NZPA