A man alleged to have knocked a police sergeant unconscious during rioting in Belfast's Ardoyne area in July was remanded in custody yesterday.
Mr Daniel Doherty, a 36year-old chef, from Ardoyne Road, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, being involved in an affray and damaging a police vehicle on July 12th.
The RUC sergeant received serious head injuries when he was struck with a heavy metal object during clashes between nationalists and police. A detective told the court that when Doherty was charged he replied: "I am totally innocent, I didn't touch him."
Replying to defence solicitor Mr Kevin Winters, the detective agreed that another police officer claimed to have identified Doherty from video film and photographs.
Mr Doherty was remanded in custody until September 26th and a bail application is to be made in the High Court today.
Meanwhile, a man arrested during the latest trouble at Ardoyne was also in court yesterday. Mr James Adair (40), of Manor Street, Belfast, was charged with riotous behaviour. He was remanded in custody after the magistrate said that in the present circumstances he was not prepared to grant bail.