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Source: Photos.com
It can now be revealed a man on trial for assault in the Rotorua District Court is a police officer, alleged to have "face-planted" a man who had been pursued in a high-speed chase.
David Mear, 44, has pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent to injure, and assault with a weapon - a police torch.
Initially his name and occupation had been suppressed, but this morning defence counsel Paul Mabey, QC, told Judge Phillip Cooper he wouldn't be pursuing the suppression orders.
The Crown claimed Mear "face-planted" a man he was involved in arresting after a high-speed chase, and hitting him with a torch.
In his opening statement, Mabey said that would be totally refuted by the accused, and he branded any officer who gave evidence against Mear about the alleged bashing a "complete liar".