Ryley Douglas Mackay, 24, appeared in person in Tamworth Local Court this week, where "the most serious" charge against him was dropped by prosecutors.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) solicitor Rayshele Martin said she had handed back the case to be dealt with in the local court.

"It's been returned to police prosecutors," she said.

One allegation of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was withdrawn, but Mackay faces five other charges relating to three incidents across town in the early hours of January 1.

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Defence solicitor Harry Pendlebury told the court Mackay had been in a position to enter pleas, but asked for a short adjournment after Ms Martin revealed the new information.

Magistrate Julie Soars agreed to delay the case for two weeks, when pleas will be entered.

"The most serious charge is gone," Ms Soars told Mackay.

He will front court again later this month.

The accused still faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm; assaulting a police officer; attempting to escape custody; resisting arrest; and common assault.

Mackay allegedly punched a 41-year-old man at a taxi rank in the Tamworth CBD in the early hours of New Year's Day. Police said the older man was taken to hospital and had suffered bleeding on the brain.

The police case is that officers tracked Mackay to Bridge Street, where he is accused of struggling with police officers, before managing to escape and flee the scene on foot.

The police dog squad cornered the 24-year-old a short time later and he was arrested. He was treated at hospital for injuries suffered when he was arrested by police dog Alpha.

Bail was continued and the case was adjourned.

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