CS spray used on ‘cop kicker’

A MAN allegedly attacked four police officers after being woken at a house, the High Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutors claimed Henry Hayes head-butted, punched and kicked constables in the face during checks on his whereabouts.

CS spray had to be deployed to bring the 25-year-old under control during the incident in Belfast on October 21, a judge was told.

But defence counsel argued Hayes was himself allegedly beaten so badly his dentures were knocked out.

Adjourning the bail application, Mr Justice Mcalinden requested phone footage of the incident said to have been recorded by the accused’s sister.

Hayes, currently of no fixed address, is charged with four counts of assault on police, criminal damage, resisting police, and two common assaults.

A Crown lawyer said officers went to the home of the accused’s sister, at an undisclosed address, after being notified about a suspected breach of a previously imposed curfew.

He allegedly woke from the sofa, jumped up and punched an officer on the head before spitting in his face. Amid attempts to put him in handcuffs he head-butted and kicked two constables, the prosecution claim.

She said one officer received blows to the head and chest. Hayes then allegedly kicked the window of a police car so hard the armour-plated glass cracked. Restraints were put on him before CS spray was used. It was claimed the violence continued en route to the police station. Putting the bail hearing on hold, the judge requested records and reports connected to the arrest.

RESTRAINT The spray was used by police on accused