Brave girl who helped beaten cop set to be recognised

A 16-year-old girl and two other Tuakau residents are likely to be nominated for a bravery award for helping off-duty policeman John Connolly when he was beaten nearly to death last week.

A number of youths attacked Mr Connolly, 39, when he tried to break up a fight in Tuakau, 55km south of Auckland, last Friday.

He was hit from behind and went down and was then kicked in the head and body suffering a fractured skull, a broken jaw, several broken bones in his face, missing teeth, a broken ankle, a collapsed lung and bruises and abrasions.

His injuries were so bad his colleagues feared he would die.

During the fight several people came to his aid, including a 16-year-old girl and at least two local residents, and police said it was now likely they would be recommended for a Royal Humane Society award for bravery.

It was believed the teenage girl tried to stop the attack on Mr Connolly as he lay bady hurt on the ground.

"She assisted with the dispersement of people and pushing people away from John when he was on the ground," said a police spokesman.

Police have arrested two more young people in the last two days, taking the total to 11.

The teens aged from 14 to 18 have all been jointly charged with assault and were expected to appear in the Pukekohe Youth Court again next week, where they were likely to face more serious charges.

Four remained in custody and seven were released on bail.

Two others, both 13, were too young to appear in court and would be dealt with by the Police Youth Aid section.

After the beating Mr Connolly was treated in Tuakau but lapsed into unconsciousness and was taken to hospital where he had emergency surgery to have a titanium plate inserted in his head.

He was today visited by Police Commissioner Howard Broad.

Police said he may be in hospital for another two or three weeks and was likely to be off work for some time recovering from his injuries.

"He is a lot better," said police spokesperson Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey.

She said he had been moved out of the critical care unit and into a ward and was not expected to have further surgery.

- NZPA