Jackie Maikuku has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Kawhia’s sole police officer Perry Griffin.
He was set upon by a mob in January and bashed after he tried to arrest Maikuku on an outstanding arrest warrant.
However, his family who were at court today say their son has been portrayed as a cowardly and 'vicious mongrel'.
His dad was there the day of the assault and says he never saw his son assault Perry Griffin.
Maikuku did plead guilty to a host of unrelated charges today and will be sentenced for those in May with his next court appearance for the assault on Griffin scheduled for May 8 at the Hamilton District Court.