Driver faces trial for backing over cop

A man will go on trial charged with alcohol-related offences after he allegedly reversed a car over a policewoman, causing her serious injury.

Tuvalu-born Ioelu Peniamina, 45, appeared in Auckland District Court today for a pre-trial hearing facing charges of being over the drink driving limit causing injury and causing bodily injury while incapable.

Peniamina was remanded on bail and will reappear in Auckland District Court for a call-over on September 15.

His lawyer Nicholas Wintour argued the charges should be withdrawn as Peniamina had already admitted a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol when the charges he currently faces were laid.

But Judge Eddie Paul refused.

He said that Judge Heemi Taumaunu heard Peniamina's guilty plea to the charge of drink driving on July 31 and remanded him until August 21 last year.

"His conviction was not entered in writing, and it is also apparent that no conviction was announced in court by Judge Taumaunu.

"The guilty plea to the initial charge of driving with excess alcohol did not and has not proceeded to sentence," Judge Paul said.

The police officer was off work for at least six weeks following the incident in the west Auckland suburb of Henderson on July 30 last year.

- NZPA