Penikolo Latu has been convicted of causing serious injuries following an incident at an Australian nightclub.
The incident occurred on March 1st of this year at the King Street Hotel in Newcastle. The court determined that 32-year-old Latu struck off-duty officer Aaron Barnett. As a result of the assault, Barnett sustained an orbital fracture, brain hemorrhage, a chipped tooth, and numerous bruises.
During the trial, the fact that a blow was delivered was not disputed by either party; however, the defense maintained that Latu acted solely in self-defense. Judge Janine Lacey was presented with surveillance camera footage, police bodycam recordings, and the accused`s own testimony.
The judge acknowledged that Latu might have perceived a threat but concluded that the level of force he used significantly exceeded the permissible limits of necessary self-defense. The victim`s status as a police officer was deemed irrelevant to the circumstances of the case.
Penikolo Latu, who represented the Tonga national team from 2017 to 2021 in 9 matches, and also played for the “Junior All Blacks,” was found guilty. Sentencing in his case is scheduled for November, and the defense has already stated its intention to appeal the decision.
