Qld cops Guiseppe Cotroneo, John Wilkins accused of using excessive force

Two Brisbane police officers have fronted court after being accused of using excessive force against a prisoner in police custody.

Senior constables Giuseppe Cotroneo, 51 and John David Wilkins, 59, have been stood down from the force after charges of assault occasioning bodily harm were laid against the pair.

Following a brief appearance at Brisbane Arrests Court on Monday, the pair had their matters adjourned to November 2.

Neither of the men spoke to media outside court.

The senior constables are alleged to have used excessive force against a man who was in their custody on August 3 in Ashgrove.

Both men were charged after an investigation was launched by Queensland Police Ethical Standards Command.

A Queensland Police spokesman said the officers had been stood down from duty.

“In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, we have undertaken to inform the public when an officer faces serious allegations of misconduct,” the spokesman said.

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