The hearing continued against Michael John Connor on Tuesday as witness number five was called to the stand. 

Connor, 55, has pleaded not guilty to three common assault charges in relation to the alleged incident on August 27. 

Police claim Connor forcibly punched the alleged victim, Daryl Smith, after he was arrested and handcuffed, in the back of the head at least twice and rammed or threw him head-first into a wall before he was pushed down the stairs. 

On day two of the hearing, Senior Constable Cameron Ellis was granted privilege by magistrate Alex Mijovich in regards to inconsistencies in police statements he provided following the alleged assaults. 

During examination, Senior Constable Ellis told the court he had witnessed Connor punch Mr Smith twice in the head after he was arrested and handcuffed. 

The officer alleged Connor then picked up Mr Smith and threw him against a wall.

Senior Constable Ellis said Connor then walked Mr Smith, who was dragging his feet, towards the front door. 

“I then saw Mr Smith fall out of Connor’s grasp and into the wall – all I saw was him come out of his grip (down the stairs),” he said. 

“Connor went to bend down and pick him up as I approached and I said – stop I’ll help you.”

After the incident, Senior Constable Ellis told the court he sat in his police car and called the sergeant on duty, saying: “Something happened after the arrest – Mick punched a bloke.”

During cross-examination, Connor’s solicitor Ray Hood asked Senior Constable Ellis, who has served as a police officer for just under 15 years, whether he had been taught ethics at the police academy.

“You had a firm understanding of what to do – you knew you could type out a document and give it to the most senior person, yes?” he asked. 

“I didn’t know the procedures of how to report it,” Senior Constable Ellis replied. 

Mr Hood asked Senior Constable Ellis about his three statements in relation to the incident. 

“Is your statement on September 19 a complete version of events?” he asked. 

“No it’s not,” he said. 

“Was it false?” Mr Hood asked. 

“No, there were just things omitted,” Senior Constable Ellis said.