A man who grabbed a police officer’s testicles during a street fight has been convicted and sentenced to community work. Sovite Tuisafia, 34, appeared in the Palmerston North District Court on charges of resisting police and aggravated assault on police after an incident outside Hawaiian Takeaways on Cuba St on May 18.

The security guard was arrested and charged during the 4am street fight, where about 100 “anxious and highly excitable” people were gathered, prosecuting Sergeant Mike Toon told the court. While a constable was dealing with one man involved, an intoxicated Tuisafia began hurling abuse and getting in the way. “The defendant reached across and grabbed the constable’s crotch, squeezing his genitals causing considerable pain,” Sergeant Toon said.

After unsuccessful attempts to restrain him, officers were forced to use pepper spray. Tuisafia pleaded guilty to the two charges and apologised later.