The Police Association says the family of a police officer who was brutally bashed, is reasonably happy the man responsible is still likely to get a lengthy jail term.
Walter Tauatevalu was found not guilty at the High Court in Auckland yesterday of attempted murder but was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent.
Following a domestic dispute, the 37-year-old repeatedly punched, kicked and stomped on Sergeant Simon Tate in South Auckland last year.
Association president Greg O'Connor said he spoke to Sergeant Tate and his family this morning.
He said it had been a traumatic time but they understood the conviction was as serious as the attempted murder charge in terms of sentencing.
Tauatevalu will be sentenced in early November.
