FORMER COP COULD FACE TIME IN JAIL FOR ASSAULTING POLICE

Magistrate says release will be too risky

A FORMER cop, with a history of assaulting police, is facing a spell behind bars.

Magistrate Janelle Brassington rejected Arioka Blair Temotu’s bail bid yesterday because the risk was too high.

The Cairns Magistrates Court heard that Mr Temotu, who used to be a police officer in the Cook Islands, was on bail for assault/obstruct police matters over an attack at a hospital when he committed the serious assault at a Westcourt home.

Officers went to the address on early Tuesday over a domestic incident and Mr Temotu was detained.

It is alleged that as the 28year-old was being walked to the police car, he kicked out at an officer before breaking free and punching him in the face.

The court heard that just one week before, Mr Temotu was ordered to complete 32 hours community service for three counts of assault/obstruct police.

“His behaviour has accelerated to such an extent, in such a short period of time,” Magistrate Brassington said.

Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Linda Cho told the court Mr Temotu had been taking an anger management course and trying to re-engage with ATODS.

“He has been struggling with alcohol as well as cannabis,” she said.

Mr Temotu will be pleading guilty to the four charges, including serious assault police.

“However, there are some facts that might need to be case conferenced,” she said.

“He’s not in a show cause position.”

Ms Cho said his offending and issues with drugs and alcohol stemmed from losing his full-time job two years ago.

This is the first time he’s been remanded in custody.

Magistrate Brassington said Mr Temotu was in a “serious situation”, but the only real issue was the risk of committing further offences.

The court heard that Mr Temotu was originally from the Cook Islands, but was currently a New Zealand citizen living in Cairns.

Magistrate Brassington said he was at risk of deportation and that jail with actual custody seemed inevitable based on the charges.

She deemed him too risky to release. The case has been adjourned to October 29.