An imprisoned armed robber is suing police for damages after he says a police dog was ordered to bite him when he was handcuffed on the ground.
In the High Court at Wellington yesterday Leighton Brian Wilding denied police claims that he kicked out at the dog and struggled while being arrested for robbing a supermarket in Wellington suburb Island Bay with a loaded shotgun in October 2000. The dog found him hiding in bushes.
He said a police dog handler punched him, he was handcuffed and the handler ordered his dog to "rouse".
The dog began biting and he moved about to try to protect his face and groin.
"To me it felt like it went into a sort of frenzy and basically went for anywhere it could get hold of after that.
"It was like a ripping motion, grab and rip."
Wilding said he suffered recurring flashbacks and nightmares from which he woke in a cold sweat. A prison psychologist had treated him for the after- effects of the dog attack and childhood sexual abuse.
He was diagnosed as having post- traumatic stress disorder.
He has claimed $50,000 damages, to punish police for alleged outrageous conduct, for assault or misfeasance in public office.
A second claim for $80,000 – in effect an alternative to the first – for breach of the Bill of Rights was also made. It alleged breaches of his right not to be subjected to cruel, degrading or disproportionately severe punishment or treatment, or the right to be detained with humanity and respect.
Wilding pleaded guilty to the robbery and was sentenced to 7-1/2 years' jail. A prison officer sat with him as he gave evidence before Justice Goddard yesterday.
The two police officers who arrested Wilding are due to give evidence today.
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