A decorated Launceston police officer appeared in the Supreme Court in Launceston on charges of perverting justice and criminal code assault.
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Todd Barry Apted, 50, pleaded not guilty to both charges in the Launceston Magistrates Court in May.
Tasmania Police allege Mr Apted punched and kicked a man about the head, face and body and held his legs while he was on the ground in Newnham on August 9, 2020.
Court documents outline the charge of pervert justice.
It has been alleged that on September 1, 2020 Mr Apted with intent to obstruct, pervert, or defeat the due course of justice falsely told police investigators that he was threatened by a male who he believed had a knife and that he was forced to defend himself "for fear of imminent threat or serious injury".
Defence counsel Grant Tucker said the matter would go to trial and that there would be an application for preliminary proceedings.
Acting Justice Brian Martin bailed Mr Apted to reappear on August 6, 2021.
In 2009 Mr Apted was awarded a certificate of commendation by Tasmania Police after a drug operation dubbed Operation Naughty led to the arrest of drug traffickers in Tasmania and Victoria.
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