Man claims police assaulted him

Press, 29 January 1986, Page 8

Man claims police assaulted him

PA Auckland A Henderson man claims the police armed offenders squad burst into a backyard barbecue and left him with two black eyes and a broken nose. Peter Chambers said his family and friends were having a barbecue at their Universal Drive home after an afternoon cricket game. He drove his car to a shop to get bread and other supplies. The backfiring of the car, which had no muffler or exhaust, was the only reason he could suggest for shots being reported to the police. An hour later, a policeman called.to him from

the neighbouring property, saying that it was the armed offenders squad and they wanted him to come over and talk to them.

Mr Chambers, who admits he has a police record, but also has a glowing testimonial to his sporting work and community services from the Waitemata Mayor, Mr Tim Shadbolt, refused. He said a gun was pointed at his neck and when he tried to push it away “they grabbed me.” Mr Chambers ended up on the ground being handcuffed, and he was taken to the Henderson Police Station. He was charged

with an assault on the police. Mr Chambers appeared in Court yesterday. He pleaded not guilty, and was remanded on bail to April 23. No guns were found in the house, nor was anybody being held hostage. A police inspector from Auckland Central will inquire into a formal complaint about the incident which was laid yesterday by Mr Chambers. A police spokesman said he would not comment on the incident until the inquiry was completed and Mr Chambers had been informed of the result.