A Cook Islands police officer, who claimed he had been the victim of a drunken attack, has himself been charged with assault.
Photo: RNZI/ Mary Baines
A Rarotonga man, Aue Inangaro Vakatini, had been accused of assaulting the officer outside a fried chicken joint in September, and emerged from the cells with a broken jaw.
The Cook Islands News reports the police officer has since apologised to Mr Vakatini, and had offered to pay his medical expenses.
Crown law is reportedly reviewing the charges against Mr Vakatini, with lawyers for both him and the police officer saying a settlement could be reached where all charges are dropped.
They say none of the parties acted appropriately, and both were emotionally affected.