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Two men accused of bashing a New Plymouth police officer and taking his patrol car on Saturday were remanded in custody after appearing in New Plymouth District Court today.
Wellington man Tim Henare James Junior Reid, 25, faces nine charges. He was jointly charged with James Henare Butler, a 19-year-old forestry worker from Waikanae, of the robbery of a patrol car and knocking Sergeant Kevin Wellington out with intent to commit aggravated robbery.
Reid also faces charges of escaping custody, dangerous driving, two counts of failing to stop, two of driving while forbidden and reckless driving.
Butler was also charged with failing to stop and reckless driving.
Both men, who were dressed in police issue boiler suits, entered no pleas during their brief appearance in court.
Justice of the Peace Peter Hensley remanded the men in custody to reappear in New Plymouth District Court on January 9.
Duty solicitor Paul Keegan said the pair consented to being remanded in custody.
The pair are accused of attacking 60-year-old Mr Wellington after they were stopped for travelling at 143km/h near the Waiwhakaiho Bridge on Saturday night.
A veteran of 37 years in the force, Mr Wellington received a badly swollen eye, a broken nose, concussion and bruising during the attack. He is on indefinite sick leave.
- NZPA
