Two Victoria Police officers found guilty of unlawful assault for punching and hosing down a disabled pensioner have had their appeals thrown out in court, according to a 9News report.
Senior constables Brad McLeod and Florian Hilgart were found guilty last year of a collective four charges of unlawful assault for blasting the victim, John Goutzoulas with a hose, using capsicum spray and punching the pensioner outside his Preston home in September 2017.
The police members were conducting a welfare check on the man, who was 36 at the time and withdrawing from opiods, when the assault occurred.
The officers challenged the magistrate’s findings in the County Court today, but judge Claire Quin ruled the force they used was disproportionate and unnecessary, dismissing their appeals.
Victoria Police in a statement today said the officers were suspended with pay during their appeals but this position was now “being reviewed” by the force.
Full Story: 9News
