Two Otago youths who set upon a police officer in a "cowardly" attack have been sentenced to jail and home detention.
Joshua Teihoka Julius, 20, and Benjamin Warren Smith, 18, attacked Constable Gaganbir Singh Dhillon after Julius failed a breath test and walked away in February, the Otago Daily Times reported.
The officer followed Julius and an altercation ensued, in which Smith pushed the officer to the ground and Julius punched him about the head.
The officer, who suffered bruises and cuts, was admitted to hospital overnight for observation.
In Oamaru District Court yesterday, prosecutor Tim Gresson referred to Police Minister Judith Collins' comments this week about the need for tougher sentences when police officers were assaulted.
"This court needs to send a very clear message generally that courts will not tolerate assaults on police officers."
Judge John Macdonald described it as a cowardly attack.
He jailed Julius for two years for aggravated injury, and an additional two months for dangerous driving and drink-driving.
Smith was sentenced to six months' home detention for aggravated injury.
- NZPA
Youths sentenced for attacking officer
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