Photo credit: NSW Police via Facebook
*WARNING: GRAPHIC VISUALS*
A man has appeared in court in New South Wales following a horrific assault on a female police officer on Tuesday, 14 July.
The man has been charged with assault and a range of other offences arising from an incident on the NSW Central Coast. During the incident the 28-year-old allegedly punched the 47-year-old officer multiple times in the head and also kneed her in the face.
Officers initially attempted to use pepper spray on him, but this was unsuccessful and he continued kneeing the female officer until he was eventually restrained and arrested.
NSW Police have subsequently released photographs of the bleeding and injured officer, who was treated on the scene for her injuries and then taken to Wyong Hospital for further treatment.
According to a statement released by police, officers went to a street in Halekulani early on Tuesday morning after reports that a man was yelling loudly and allegedly attempting to enter properties and threatening nearby residents.
After patrolling the area, the officer saw the man go back into his home and left without further incident.
Two hours later they were called back to the scene after reports the man was again seen allegedly trespassing and threatening residents.
Two officers spoke to the man, who then became aggressive and allegedly punched and kicked the senior constable multiple times.
After being restrained he was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with two counts of entering enclosed land without lawful excuse, stalking/intimidating with the intention of causing fear or physical harm, assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty, causing actual bodily harm, resisting or hindering a police officer in the execution of their duty, and intimidation of a police officer.
The incident comes after several incidents of assault on NSW police officers took place in June.
In one high-profile incident caught on video, a man on a scooter was stopped by police and an altercation ensued involving the man and some friends. Three officers were hospitalised.
Following the incident, which was one of many in a 72-hour period, NSW Police issued a public appeal for more respect.