Layne Rex Edward Newman in Townsville Magistrates Court after allegedly ramming police car, hitting officer at Oonoonba
A man accused of hitting a policeman and ramming a stolen car into the officer’s vehicle may have his charges upgraded after the officer was taken to hospital.
Townsville
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A man who is alleged to have injured an officer and crashed in a police car this week may have his charges upgraded according to his lawyer.
Layne Rex Edward Newman was arrested and taken into custody on Tuesday after allegedly hitting an officer in the face during a dramatic arrest.
It’s alleged the 22-year-old crashed a stolen Mazda BT50 into a police vehicle at 11:19am on McPherson Street, Oonoonba after two stolen cars were reported on the street.
Police alleged the man tried to run away and hit an officer in the process who had to been transported to Mater Hospital.
The Mazda BT50 was allegedly reported as stolen from a Pimlico home on November 10.
Defence lawyer Michael Spearman said on Wednesday morning in Townsville Magistrates Court that he had a “very strong suspicion” Mr Newman’s charges would be upgraded and asked for an adjournment to see what would happen.
Magistrate Viviana Keegan asked if one of the man’s charges was predicted to be upgraded to a grievous bodily harm charge, to which the defence lawyer confirmed.
Mr Newman has been charged with serious assault of an officer causing bodily harm, attempted to enter dwelling, dangerous operation of vehicle, contravening a direction from police, stealing, unlawful use of vehicle, unlawful use of vehicle while in company and wilful damage.
No pleas have been entered.
The man’s lawyer did not make an application for bail and Mr Newman was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Keegan adjourned the charges to January 22, 2025.
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Originally published as Layne Rex Edward Newman in Townsville Magistrates Court after allegedly ramming police car, hitting officer at Oonoonba
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