I probably lost control, officer admitted

Alexander Grant

A former South Auckland constable told police that he regretted punching a drunk, handcuffed man after losing control in the back of a patrol car.

The videotaped interview was played in Manukau District Court yesterday, where Alexander Grant is facing one charge of injuring Manurewa man Hemi Koia, with intent to injure.

The alleged assault occurred in July 2003, when Grant was working as a constable in South Auckland. He has since resigned.

The jury was shown Grant's interview, filmed last year after he was confronted about the allegations. In it he admitted hitting Mr Koia in the back seat of the patrol car after arresting him at his home, where he had been abusive and aggressive towards officers.

Mr Grant said he hadn't been affected by Mr Koia's swearing and insults until he got into the car, where the aggressiveness continued.

"I think I just had a weak moment and I struck out at him. I was angry with Hemi. I regret punching him but I don't really know what happened."

He said he was unsure how many punches he threw but suggested it might have been four or five, followed by a couple of blows with his elbow.

Mr Koia fell unconscious at one stage. Mr Grant told the officer driving the car to head for the hospital but then changed his mind when Mr Koia seemed to "bounce back", directing the officer to drive to the police station.

When the interviewing officer asked Mr Grant what his demeanour and state of mind were like in the car, he said: "I probably lost control with Mr Koia. I shouldn't have punched him but I did."

The two other officers in the car earlier gave evidence that they could not recall Mr Koia kicking and that he was aggressive only when he got into the car, as he was handcuffed and had been pepper-sprayed.

Neither officer reported the assault, saying they were young constables with less than a year's experience and did not know how to handle the situation.

Constable Wayne Mead, who was sitting in the back seat with Mr Koia, estimated Grant inflicted 15-20 blows, while Mr Koia gave evidence on Tuesday that he was backhanded once or twice before blacking out.

Grant said he did not report the assault to anyone and he did not seek medical attention for Mr Koia once back at the police station. The defence is expected to open its case today.