December 14, 2007

Slapping constables "incredibly immature"

Two uniformed policemen on the central Christchurch beat were not at all amused when a reveller sprang between them and slapped them both on the bottom.

They say 24-year-old Jonathan Michael Berry struck them with full force with his open hands.

They required no medical attention ? but they did require an arrest, and Berry stood in the Christchurch District Court dock yesterday charged with assaulting two policemen.

Defence counsel James Rapley said Berry was very sorry, and Judge David Holderness said his actions had been ?incredibly immature?.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Berryman said the incident happened on Colombo Street when people were out enjoying themselves.

The two constables were in full uniform, with moderately intoxicated Berry walking behind them.

He ran up, delivered the blows, and was caught as he tried to run off. The policemen were offended by Berry?s behaviour.

Mr Rapley said he had explained to Berry that even a blow struck in humour was still an assault.

?He did it while affected by alcohol and good humour,? said Mr Rapley. ?The police officers didn?t think it was funny.?

Berry had completed a BA in surveying from Otago University and wanted to do post graduate studies at Reno in California. He was concerned that his record would should two assaults on police.

Judge Holderness agreed to discharge him without conviction on condition that he pay $500 to a charity nominated by the police.

He also warned Berry that treating police officers like that overseas would get him in very serious trouble. ?Reno still has a three strikes and you?re out policy.?