A police sergeant charged with kidnapping a teenager during a mock arrest told investigators that he was following the directions of his senior officer and an Inspector.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Sergeant Vaughan Perry is one of two officers on trial at the High Court in Auckland where his interview with investigators is being read out.
Mr Perry said he was approached by his senior officer and told to help Inspector Hurimoana Dennis with a young man.
He said Mr Dennis told him the 17 year old was having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl and needed to turn his life around.
Mr Dennis asked him to help show the teenager firsthand what would happen if he didn't make changes.
Mr Perry said the teenager had his property taken, the cords on his pants cut to prevent him self-harming and he was put in a cell for up to 15 minutes.
Mr Perry said he was told the teenager's parents had given their consent and he believed the young man knew it was a role-play - although he never said that explicitly.
