A Warwick man has denied assaulting a police officer during this month’s protest outside the House of Assembly.

Edmund Smith, 52, had previously appeared before the courts in connection to the matter, but questions arose about his ability to enter a plea. Yesterday, Magistrates’ Court heard that he was fit to plead, allowing him to deny charges of assaulting a police officer and possessing an offensive weapon, specifically a wooden walking stick, on December 2. The court also heard that while he was offered $5,000 bail, he has remained in custody since the incident. However Mr Smith told the court he should be able to secure his surety.

The matter is expected to return to the courts in the new year.

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