Police say they accept findings an officer was not justified in ramming a man with a car and repeatedly punching him

In 2023, two officers arrived separately to arrest a man at a Whitianga apartment complex, for aggravated robbery.

As the first drove into the carpark, the suspect smashed his window, covering him in glass.

The officer rammed the man with the patrol car, then punched him seven times in the head.

Relieving Waikato District Commander Superintendent Scott Gemmell says the officer was charged with assault, but acquitted by a jury.

An employment investigation continues.