- To access all of your local news, visit newcastleherald.com.au directly. Our home page is updated with the latest headlines from across the region and the nation.
- You can even stay up to date by clicking here and signing up for free to our newsletters.
- If you value local journalism, support us by subscribing here
- To download the Newcastle Herald app, click here
A man charged with allegedly assaulting police during a traffic stop in the Hunter was on bail for the same charge at the time of the incident, a court has heard.
Jonathan Carl Woods faced Maitland Local Court on Friday for a range of alleged driving offences as well as charges of assaulting police and resisting arrest in relation to the incident this week.
During an application for bail, Mr Woods interrupted Magistrate Ron Maiden from the dock twice - in one instance calling out "I object" - prompting a warning from the magistrate.
The 39-year-old is accused of striking a senior constable who stopped him for allegedly speeding on the New England Highway about 5pm on Thursday.
The court heard that the motorbike Mr Woods had been riding fell on top of him during the encounter.
Police allege Mr Woods continued striking the officer until members of the public helped arrest him.
More police were called in and the struggle allegedly continued.
An acting sergeant suffered a dislocated shoulder trying to restrain the man, police said. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
Mr Woods was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, motor vehicle exceed speed more than 20km/h, licence expired two years or more, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty, two counts of resist officer in execution of duty, use unregistered motor vehicle on road, other traffic offences and breach of bail.
The prosecution argued in court on Friday that releasing Mr Woods posed "not only a risk to the community, but a risk to police", given he was already on bail for allegedly assaulting police when the latest incident took place.
Magistrate Maiden ordered that Mr Woods be detained at a mental health facility to undergo an assessment before he faces court again on March 2.
"I think with any of these types of matters, one has to err on the side of caution," Magistrate Maiden said.
