Ballina
6 July 2012. Aboriginal man Corey Barker, was arrested in Ballina last year for allegedly throwing a bottle. Ballina Local Court was told that he became violent, punched Senior Constable David Hill in the face. However, when security footage was repaired, it showed it was police who had assaulted the 23-year-old.
Senior Constable Ryan Eckersley kicked Mr Barker in the head and another officer kneed him in the side. Mr Barker was dragged to a cell. He was left handcuffed for more than an hour with significant injuries. Yesterday, magistrate David Heilpern found the officers had given “palpably false evidence”.
He referred the matter to the Police Integrity Commission, which says it will seriously consider the finding. Police have confirmed the officers still remain on duty. They are due to face court next month to hear whether they will be tried for contempt.
