Policemen’s future in doubt

Press, 19 May 1984, Page 1

Policemen’s future in doubt

PA Wellington The Commissioner of Police, Mr K. O. Thompson, said yesterday that the future of two police officers convicted of assault in Wanganui was being “carefully considered.” Mr Thompson, commenting on the court decision, said it was very disappointing to see police officers in this position, but the law had to take its course. “Both members’ futures in the police will obviously have to be very carefully considered and I have noted the judge’s comments in respect of both members’ service records,” he said. Judge Hobbs announced the verdicts in the District Court at Wanganui yesterday and said he did not think the circumstances justified sacking the officers. Chief Inspector Bernard Rowe was convicted on one of three charges of assault

and fined $7OO. He was acquitted on the other two charges. Constable Mark Sutherland was convicted of assault, the only charge he faced, and was fined $5OO. Both men denied all charges, which were brought in connection with an armed offenders squad call-out. Rowe was convicted of hitting Mr Carl Finn and grabbing him in the chest. He was acquitted on charges of kicking Mr Les Palamountain and hitting him over the head. Sutherland was convicted of banging Mr Palamountain’s head on the bonnet of a motor vehicle. Rowe and Sutherland have been suspended from duty since February 10 and will continue to be suspended until a decision on their futures is made.