Tasmanian cop on assault, justice charges

A male police officer in Tasmania has been charged with assault and perverting the course of justice.

The charges relate to an incident in suburban Launceston in August last year when the 50-year-old was off duty.

He has been suspended from duty and will appear in Launceston Magistrates Court on May 17.

"It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matter is now before the court," Tasmania Police said in a statement on Thursday.