Ex-officer admits lying about events leading to death

A former police officer has admitted lying to a Coroner's court and a senior officer after a man was chased by a policeman and run over by a truck.

Reuben Harris told the Auckland High Court that he had given "untrue statements" to a Coroner's court and a sergeant about the night when George Tipene Harris was allegedly assaulted in the back of his police car before being chased, hit by a truck and killed.

Mr Harris' then colleague, Clinton Lyall Hill, has been charged with assaulting George Harris and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers say the assault never took place.

Mr Harris told the court that he and his partner, Constable Benson Murphy, had just processed a drink driver in the early hours of October 3, 2004 when they were flagged down by Hill, who was off-duty at the time.

He said Hill had been drinking and had arrested George Harris for trying to steal his cellphone and ripping his shirt. He said Hill asked if he could get a lift to the police station to process George Harris.

On the way they stopped near a Westpac Bank on Great South Road where Hill asked Mr Harris' partner to get out of the patrol car and Mr Harris was told to drive behind the bank.

He was asked by Hill's lawyer, John Haigh, QC: "At that point did you know George Harris was going to get a bashing?"

Mr Harris replied: "I probably did."

Mr Harris will continue to be cross-examined today.