A Sandys man allegedly assaulted a police officer after which they got involved in a violent struggle, Magistrates’ Court heard this morning.

Vincent Best, 49, of East Shore Road, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police constable with intent to do bodily harm and then violently resisting his arrest.

Prosecutor Maria Sofianos said that the alleged offence took place on August 8 in Pembroke.

Ms Sofianos said the officer saw Mr Best taking part in criminal offence — the nature of which was not revealed in court — and tried to arrest him. It was then that the fight broke out.

As the struggle continued other uniformed officers arrived and tried to stop the defendant.

Ms Sofianos said when Mr Best reached into his pocket the police feared that he may have a weapon and and used a Taser to restrain him. The police officer who initially approached him suffered abrasions to his index finger and knee.

Mr Best told the court that he did not know that he was being approached by a police officer.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner released the defendant on $5,000 bail with one surety for trial on September 29 with a mention on August 29.

• Also in Magistrates’ Court, Kirt Brown Jr, 20, of Sandys pleaded not guilty to unlawful assault on August 1 in Sandys.

He was released on $2,000 bail with one surety and is to have no contact with the complainant.

He will return for trial on August 25.