Cop denies conflict of interest

A policeman involved in a scuffle with a man shot in the stomach by his patrol partner and fiancee, denies a conflict of interest in working with her.

Russel Graham Penny was shot by Constable Ann-Maree Needs at Crossman, south of Perth, in November 2013.

It's alleged he had a sawn-off shotgun concealed in his clothes when pulled over and then wrestled with Sergeant Michael Richard Williams over the weapon before a shot was fired over the officer's shoulder.

Sgt Williams continued giving evidence on Tuesday in the WA Supreme Court trial of Penny, who is charged with intending to do harm while endangering the life or safety of a police officer.

The jury could also find him guilty of the lesser offence of assaulting an officer while armed with a dangerous weapon.

Sgt Williams, who has been an officer for 18 years, testified that his personal relationship with Const Needs was "common knowledge" in WA's police force and specifically among their superiors.

He denied under cross-examination that their relationship presented a conflict of interest because he was her boss, insisting that he treated her equally to every other constable working at his station.

The court was also shown a video of the officers performing first aid on Penny after he was shot in which Sgt Williams was heard saying: "We just wanted to breath test you, mate."

Penny told the officers he did not mean to pull a gun on the police.

"What did you think was going to happen, mate?" Sgt Williams replied.

The court previously heard the officers wanted to stop Penny on Albany Highway because his rear tail light was broken so they wanted to inspect the vehicle, check his licence and breath test him.

Sgt Williams also previously testified that he was in fear of his life during his struggle with Penny.

The trial continues.