No conviction for cop who punched prisoner

The officer may not have a future with the police. Photo / File

A Taranaki police officer has been discharged without conviction for punching a prisoner but has still to learn whether he has a future in the force.

Judge Max Courtney in New Plymouth District Court this week discharged the officer with conviction for assaulting David William Scadden in the courthouse's outside caged area in February last year, The Taranaki Daily News reported.

He punched Scadden, who was in a waist restraint, as he was being forced into a police van by two prison officers.

The officer's counsel, Patrick Mooney, argued that a conviction for the police officer would have effects out of all proportion to the lower-grade assault.

He also asked for continued name suppression arguing that it could adversely affect the officer when dealing with the public and criminals in future.

Judge Courtney agreed with Mr Mooney, discharging the officer without conviction and ordering permanent name suppression.

Outside court, the officer's boss, New Plymouth district police chief Inspector Blair Telford, said he was unable to comment on the future of the officer who remained on restricted duties.

"At this stage it's now an employment issue and it's not appropriate to comment."

- NZPA