A TAMWORTH man has pleaded guilty to slashing an officer in the arm and hand during a violent arrest in Tamworth.
Michael James Pearson appeared in Tamworth Local Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to four offences from Saturday’s altercation with officers.
The 55-year-old struck one officer before arming himself with what police claim was a multi-tool and slashed the senior constable in the right arm and hand.
The officer suffered a 10cm wound on the arm, police said.
The policeman was treated at Tamworth hospital after Saturday afternoon’s incident, officers confirmed on Monday.
Officers went to the Narran Place property in Hillvue about 3.45pm to serve an apprehended violence order (AVO) and prevent a breach of the peace, police said.
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It was while police were at the property that Pearson became agitated and aggressive and punched one officer in the house.
Police said they were forced to use capsicum spray before Pearson armed himself and slashed the second officer.
Pearson was tasered by police to subdue him before he was eventually handcuffed and arrested.
He was taken to Tamworth Police Station and questioned before being charged with four offences including resisting arrest, assaulting an officer causing actual bodily harm, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful apprehension and assault police.
He appeared before an out-of-sessions bail hearing on Sunday in Tamworth Local Court and was refused bail to reappear again on Monday.
On Monday, he pleaded guilty to all four offences and was granted conditional bail by magistrate Julie Soars who ordered authorities to compile a background report ahead of sentencing.
Pearson will return to court in October.
Police said both officers have returned to work.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
