Penikolo Latu inflicted severe injuries during an incident at an Australian nightclub.
The incident occurred on March 1st 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, the victim suffered an orbital fracture, brain hemorrhage, a chipped tooth, and numerous bruises.
During the trial, both parties did not dispute the fact that a blow was struck. However, Latu`s defense argued that he acted in self-defense. Surveillance camera footage, police bodycam recordings, and the defendant`s own testimony were presented to Judge Janine Lacy.
The judge acknowledged that Latu might have felt threatened but concluded that the level of violence used exceeded the permissible limits of necessary self-defense. The victim`s status as a police officer was deemed irrelevant to the case.
Penikolo Latu, who played for the Tonga national team from 2017-2021 (9 matches) and for the “Junior All Blacks,” was found guilty. The sentence will be pronounced in November, and the defense has already announced its intention to appeal.
