Two Victorian highway police officers are currently fighting allegations they used excessive force during the arrest of Peter Alamaras, who lives with deafness, autism and a cognitive impairment.
According to The Age, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday that police officers, Trevor Harty and Steven Sota, were on patrol on February 4 last year when Mr Alamaras allegedly sped past them.
The officers told investigators they activated their lights and sirens but the man continued to drive, pulling into his driveaway in Melbourne’s south-east.
Once there, Mr Alamaras allegedly got out of his car with his hands raised and keys in one hand, and the two officers arrested him.
The Age reported that prosecutors alleged Mr Harty hit Mr Alamaras with a baton in the abdomen numerous times, while Mr Sota allegedly sprayed capsicum in the man’s face twice.
“The Crown case is that the force used is disproportionate to the situation that was required,” Crown prosecutor, Ben Kerlin, said.
Both Mr Harty and Mr Sota have been charged with unlawful assault and assault with a weapon. The court heard both officers deny they assaulted the man.
Source: The Age
