Police 'kicked me in the head'

A man yesterday described being kicked in the head repeatedly by police officers while he lay handcuffed on the ground.

Ken MacAskill was giving evidence relating to allegations of assault against a Counties Manukau constable. The officer, who has interim name suppression, has been committed to stand trial this year.

At an evidential hearing in the Manukau District Court, Mr MacAskill said he suffered three broken ribs, broken bones in his leg, concussion and abrasions to his face in the attack.

He said he called police to his partner's home on July 19, 2004, because he feared a domestic dispute might become more serious but the accused officer and a female constable did not take his concerns seriously.

He swore at them and told them to go away. Five to 10 minutes later between four and seven other officers arrived, he said. He was handcuffed and frog-marched towards a police car parked on the street, but on the grass verge he was pushed to the ground.

"When I was on the ground I remember being kicked in the head several times," but he did not see who was kicking him.

Mr MacAskill was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest. The case has yet to be heard in court.