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Waikato police officer convicted of assault for using pepper spray

Waikato TimesOtago Daily TimesRNZNZ HeraldWednesday 5 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated

In this story Noel Cocurullo

Photo: Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

A Waikato constable was convicted of assault in Hamilton District Court after pepper-spraying a motorist three times. The judge found the officer acted unlawfully and without warrant when demanding car keys. The officer has been ordered to pay the victim $1,000 in compensation.

How they headlined it

First reported by Waikato Times, Wed 5 Nov 2025, 3:16pm · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 34 minutes
  1. Waikato TimesWaikato Times

    ‘Utterly wrong’: Cop convicted of assault following unlawful use of pepper spray (opens in new tab)

  2. Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times

    'You got it wrong': Cop pepper-sprayed compliant motorist three times (opens in new tab)

  3. RNZRNZ

    Waikato cop loses discharge bid after excessive OC spray of motorist (opens in new tab)

    Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)