A MAN, 25, has been refused bail after allegedly deliberately hitting a cyclist and dragging her along the road before attacking responding paramedics and police.
Abdulgafar Ayansina, 25, of Jesmond, appeared in Newcastle Bail Court on Sunday charged with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, attempt to take and drive conveyance without consent of owner and assault police officer in execution of duty after he allegedly hit a woman, 23, riding her bike in Heaton Street, Jesmond about 7pm on Saturday night.
Police allege Mr Ayansina was behind the wheel of a Subaru Forester that struck the woman and dragged her along the road before stopping.
Witnesses assisted the woman before emergency services arrived.
It is then that Mr Ayansina is accused of getting out of the Subaru and allegedly trying to get into the ambulance before assaulting a female paramedic.
She sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions after being pushed to the ground.
The injured cyclist was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a critical condition, police said.
A Hunter New England Health spokesman confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the woman was now listed as being in a "serious" condition.
Newcastle City police arrived and arrested Mr Ayansina, but as officers were attempting to breath test him, it is alleged he tried to bite the hands of a male senior constable, before kicking him.
He was subsequently taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The officer did not require medical treatment.
Upon release from hospital, Mr Ayansina was taken to Waratah police station, charged and refused bail by police.
He was again refused bail in Newcastle Bail Court on Sunday and will next appear in Newcastle Local Court on Monday.
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