Policeman stood down for two years

Ken MacAskill

A Counties Manukau Police constable who allegedly assaulted a man has been stood down on full pay for nearly two years while police pursue charges against his alleged victim for resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour.

The police officer cannot be named because of suppression orders. He faces assault charges over the incident in which the man, Ken MacAskill, suffered three broken ribs.

MacAskill arrived at the Manukau District Court yesterday hoping for resolution to at least part of his case which has dragged on in the courts for nearly two years.

He called police to his home on July 19, 2004, to sort out a domestic dispute where, he said, he felt as though he was in danger.

MacAskill said the officer thought it was his wife who had called police but when he found out it was him he taunted him, saying he was big enough to look after himself.

"I gave him a verbal serve, he gave me a bit of a verbal serve, it got to the stage where I said if you want to have a go at me I'll have a go at you."

MacAskill said he and the officer then went outside.

"I said I'm not fighting you, I have respect for the uniform, I just don't have respect for some of the people that wear it."

MacAskill says that while outside he had a word with neighbours who were poking their heads over his fence, telling them to mind their own business.

More police officers turned up and he says he was told there was a warrant for his arrest issued in the 1970s for child maintenance.

He then alleges he was arrested, pushed to the ground and kicked in the head.

The police are pursuing charges of resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour against him.

The police officer is facing one charge of assault.

A defended hearing for MacAskill was set down to take priority in the Manukau District Court yesterday but another case was heard instead.

Judge Russell Callender adjourned the hearing until next week for a new date to be set.

"It's been going on forever," said MacAskill.

Meanwhile it is understood lawyers representing the police officer are applying for a date to test MacAskill's evidence.