Police Commissioner visits officer in Northland Hospital

The Police Officer attacked at Mangawhai wishes to thank all those who have offered support to him and his family.

Senior Constable Graham Gough received a large wound to the head after he was hit with an iron bar yesterday afternoon. Constable Gough was working alone while making inquiries into a complaint of disorder at a private address.

He was flown by helicopter to Northland Hospital and underwent surgery.

Police Commissioner, Rob Robinson and District Commander Roger Carson were at the hospital last night. Constable Gough says, “I was very surprised but also grateful to see the Commissioner and District Commander at my bedside. For me it’s all a case of ground hog day. In 1982 I was attacked and seriously injured when called to an incident in Maungaturoto. I recovered back then and aim to do the same again,” says Constable Gough.”

Commissioner Robinson met with Constable Gough again this morning. “I am pleased to see the progress he is making in his recovery. As Commissioner when something like this happens to a staff member I cannot just sit down in Wellington, so came here to Whangarei last night to offer my support to Graham and his family. I can now go back to Wellington having seen Graham and knowing the progress he is making in his recovery,” says Commissioner Robinson.

Constable Gough has been an officer for 32 years. “He has worked in a number of small stations and I regard him very highly,” says Superintendent Carson. “Staff like Constable Gough work in isolated areas and are chosen for their ability to be resourceful and to make assessments of situations, as back up is not close by. The Constable knew the person he was approaching and made an assessment, but events unfolded fast in an unexpected fashion,” says Superintendent Carson.

A 19-year-old male has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He will appear in the North Shore District Court on Monday morning.

All media inquiries including the condition of Constable Gough to

Jayson Rhodes
Communications Manager
North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police District
027 281 0271