Driver jailed after trying to kiss officer

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 12

Driver jailed after trying to kiss officer

PA Auckland An over-amorous motorist who tried to kiss a traffic officer and told him “I love you,” has been sent to jail. Matey Esala Finau, aged 29, a refrigeration worker, of Rotorua, told the police he was only “making a funny.” However, the victim of his affections was far from amused.

The traffic officer, who suffered no physical illeffects, said: “I got a hell of a fright and was repulsed to the extent that I felt sick."

Finau appeared for sentence in the District Court at Auckland yesterday on charges of common assault, four driving related offences and breach of bail.

Judge Dennis Pain told the defendant that trying to pass off a kiss was “not a very serious assault,” but as he had recceived a 12-month jail term in the High Court at Auckland last week on other charges imprisonment was the only practical penalty. Finau was sentenced to a concurrent two-month term — one month each for the assault and drink driving, and two months for the bail breach.

He was discharged on counts of careless use, driving without a licence

and giving false particulars. Judge Pain disqualified him from driving for two years. The Court was told that after being processed for excess breath-alcohol the defendant was offered a lift home by the traffic officer. The defendant opened a door for the officer and put his arms around him, saying: “I want to kiss you.” The officer pushed Finau away and told him not to be stupid. Finau met with a similar response when he again put his arm around the officer as the pair walked to the patrol car. While being driven, the defendant reached over and made further advances to the officer, who wrestled with Finau and stopped the car. Finau made another attempt to kiss the officer and said: “I love you.” He then offered to perform an indecent act. The defendant was driven to the Rotorua police station and pushed into a holding cell when he again put his arm around the officer. Finau admitted his actions when spoken to by a police constable and said he did not think the traffic officer “would be angry” at his “making a funny.”