New charge for officer who crashed car, hurt boy

A new charge has been laid against an Auckland police officer who crashed his unmarked car in August, injuring a schoolboy.

Twenty nine-year-old Aaron Holmes appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning. He is now charged with aggravated careless use of a motor vehicle causing injury. A charge of careless driving has been withdrawn.

Holmes' car crashed into a lamp post which fell and badly injured Farhat Buksh in August. The 13-year-old was walking across a pedestrian crossing outside a primary school in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert.

The officer's lawyer tried to prevent cameras filming today's proceedings, arguing public recognition may cause problems for him carrying out his traffic duties. The judge rejected the argument, and allowed filming.

The case has been adjourned until the end of the month.

- NEWSTALK ZB