Pair in court accused of cop assault

File Photo

An Auckland couple who allegedly assaulted a community constable in Hawke's Bay yesterday have been remanded in custody until September 29.

Lance Christopher Pirini, 31, Mt Roskill, and Joy Moana Leaf, 31, Onehunga, were handcuffed when they appeared in Hastings District Court today.

Both were charged with causing grievous bodily harm to community Constable Alan Keith Daly, 45, who was admitted to hospital overnight after suffering a broken nose and cheekbone during an alleged assault in the township of Clive, midway between Hastings and Napier yesterday afternoon.

The couple allegedly attacked Mr Daly after he stopped what he believed to be a stolen car.

He was king-hit from behind and stomped on and smashed with his radio while he lay injured on the ground.

He is now recovering at home after being discharged from hospital.

Pirini and Leaf were also charged with taking a Subaru Forester wagon, the property of Omega Car Rentals on July 17, stealing $71 of petrol from BP Taupo on July 19, the theft of two pairs of shoes from Hannahs and groceries and cigarettes worth $30 in Napier yesterday.

Pirini was also charged with driving while disqualified.

Eric Forster, counsel for Leaf, sought name suppression because his client was facing other charges in Huntly and Auckland courts. However Judge Tony Adeane declined the application.

- NZPA