Paralysis victim tells arrest story

An Ashburton man left paralysed after a tussle with police is disputing how he came to suffer a life-altering spinal injury while being arrested.

Craig Wilson has given his version of the dramatic arrest from his bed at the Burwood Spinal Unit in Christchurch.

Mr Wilson was injured in central Ashburton on January 8 after being stopped for squealing his car tyres.

How Mr Wilson, 25, was hurt and whether it resulted from excessive force by a local constable are now subject to an independent investigation by the Timaru police.

The Police Complaints Authority will review the outcome, which could result in criminal or disciplinary proceedings against the arresting officer.

Mr Wilson's lawyer, Jonathan McCarthy, said his client's position was "in sharp conflict to that asserted by the police". He was unwilling to go into detail.

Inspector Laurie Shanks of the Timaru police, who conducted initial inquiries, last month said the incident was "a terrible tragedy".

What was to have been a verbal warning from a constable escalated when Mr Wilson allegedly chest-bumped the officer and was arrested for assault, Mr Shanks said.

Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Marion Neill, who interviewed Mr Wilson, said she had more people to interview before seeking a legal opinion on the case.

- NZPA