September 21st, 2010
September 21st, 2010
A POLICE officer started a fight that allegedly led to his death, a court has heard.
Sergeant Brett Meredith died after he was allegedly punched in Katherine's Club 23 by Michael Simon Martyn in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Mr Martyn is this week facing a committal hearing on a charge of manslaughter for Sgt Meredith's death.
Corey Anderson knew both men, and told Katherine Magistrates Court this afternoon that he saw Sgt Meredith approach Mr Martyn two or three times before Mr Martyn punched the off-duty police officer.
"Brett turned around, looked like he was ready to fight Mickey, walked up to him pretty serious," Mr Anderson said. "Mickey hit him (Sgt Meredith) before he could hit him (Mr Martyn)."
Mr Martyn's lawyer Michael Abbott, QC, asked if it looked like Sgt Meredith started the altercation, and Mr Anderson said: "That's what it looked like to me".
Mr Anderson said he told Mr Martyn that Sgt Meredith was a cop, but Mr Martyn said: "I don't f***ing care".
Earlier today Security officer Gail Taylor told court that she tried to push Sergeant Brett Meredith and Michael Simon Martyn away from each other at Club 23 in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Ms Taylor said she saw the two men "in each other's faces", and was trying to push them apart when Sgt Meredith shoved her in the chest, pushing her back.
She said Mr Martyn was moving away, and the next thing she saw was Sgt Meredith on the floor.
He died the next day in Royal Darwin Hospital.
The hearing started in May, resumed this week and is expected to finish tomorrow.
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