Two police officers involved in a cover-up following the death of an Auckland man are appealing against a sentence of 15 months in jail.
Reuben Harris and Benson Murphy lied under oath about what prompted the victim, George Harris, to flee the scene, running into the path of street sweeper.
It was their sworn duty to uphold the law. Instead they lied to protect a colleague alleged to have beaten a man who died trying to flee.
It was on October 3, 2004 that Murphy and Harris stopped to help off-duty colleague Clinton Hill arrest a man who allegedly tried to steal Hill's mobile phone.
Murphy now alleges Mr Hill Beat the suspect, who subsequently ran into the path of a truck.
Murphy and Harris have lodged an appeal and have been granted bail. Hill was originally charged with assault, but now the charges have been stepped up.
After initially attempting to protect their colleague, Murphy and Harris have had a change of heart. They are expected to give evidence against Clinton Hill, who now faces charges of manslaughter.
3 News