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'Sonny, don't get smart': Policeman caught on video punching teenager

A Melbourne policeman who was caught on camera punching a teenager is fighting to avoid jail.

The assault was recorded on a mobile phone, which the victim claims was erased by police, but was later retrieved by a tech expert.

Senior Constable Simon Mareangareu was found guilty of punching a teenage boy in the face and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Simon Mareangareu and officer Dennis Gundrill questioned teens Kyan Foster and Stuart Laird.
Mareangareu and fellow officer Dennis Gundrill stopped to question then 17-year-old Kyan Foster and his friend Stuart Laird. Source: 7 News

On Christmas Day, 2014, Mareangareu and Leading Senior Constable Dennis Gundrill stopped to question then 17-year-old Kyan Foster and his friend Stuart Laird, 16. It quickly became violent.

“Hey, sonny, don’t get smart,” the officer can be heard telling the boys in the footage before a scuffle breaks out.

The officers then demanded the boys delete the video from their phone.

The confrontationIt became violent with the officer holding the teen down.
The confrontation quickly became violent, with the Senior Constable caught throwing the teen to the ground. Source: 7 News

“Get rid of that video right now,” Mareangareu said on the retrieved footage.

The victim can be heard arguing with the officer, telling him: “I do not consent to a search,” to which Mareangareu responded: “You don’t have to consent.”

One of the boys replied: “I do have to consent.”

Stuart’s father had an expert retrieve the footage, which helped convict Mareangareu. But his defence lawyer wanted the senior constable to be spared jail time and instead be given a community corrections order.

Senior constable Simon Mareangareu was found guilty.
Senior constable Simon Mareangareu was found guilty of punching a teenage boy in the face and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Source: 7 News

Judge Jeanette Morrish noted Mareangareu had saved three people during his time as an officer and asked the County Court prosecution: “Does that not entitle him to the exercise of considerable mercy?Does he not deserve a chance?

“He has saved three lives – does he get a chance to have his life of freedom saved?”

Despite being caught out on camera, Mareangareu is still in the police force, but has been suspended without pay until his court case is over.

The plea hearing continues on Wednesday.