A man who spent a month in custody after he floored a Christchurch policeman with a blow from behind has now been ordered to pay $250 to the officer in emotional harm reparation.
Shane Anthony Harvey's behaviour as the police were dealing with a domestic dispute in suburban Belfast earned him a strong rebuke from the judge and a remand in custody at his first court appearance on February 27.
Judge Michael Crosbie told him that police could expect protection from the courts at a time when they were carrying out extraordinary work in the quake-ravaged city.
The 24-year-old's assault with intent to injure charge was reduced today to assault and he pleaded guilty at Christchurch District Court sitting at Nga Hau e Wha Marae.
Police prosecutor Bronwen Skea said Harvey had hit the officer from behind as he attended a dispute between family members on February 27, knocking him down and causing a split lip and grazes.
Defence counsel Rupert Glover said Harvey accepted his behaviour was "precipitate and inappropriate".
Judge Raoul Neave told Harvey: "Your actions were thoroughly inappropriate when the policeman was simply doing his best to sort out a difficult situation, which was caused by your family anyway."
He noted Harvey had served the equivalent of a two-month jail term while on remand and ordered him to pay $250 to the officer.
"This will remind you to keep your fists to yourself in future."
