THE man accused of bashing a police officer in a drug-fuelled attack has asked to go to rehab before the allegations proceed in court.
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Edward Powell pleaded guilty in Orange Local Court on Thursday to some of the offences to come out of the September 1 attack that left a male constable unconscious, with short-term memory loss and significant facial lacerations and bruising.
Powell was charged with a range of offences including break and enter, resisting arrest, assaulting police causing actual bodily harm, stealing and escaping police custody.
He has pleaded guilty to some of the assault police charges.
Powell’s solicitor Mick Madden argued the case should be adjourned so the 26-year-old could be assessed for inclusion in a rehabilitation program.
“There is a need for this man to enter full-time rehabilitation,” he said.
Police facts said the Edward Street resident attacked three officers when they found him hiding behind a curtain in an Edward Street home after they attempted to speak to him about a separate offence.
Powell launched at the first officer and punched him in the face and head at least 15 times, police said.
He continued to punch a second officer and a third used capsicum spray on Powell but it still did not subdue him.
Powell pushed past the third officer despite the capsicum spray dousing and escaped down Edward Street.
Police gave chase and said they found him in a nearby backyard.
He will remain in custody until he is assessed for rehabilitation and appears in court in January.
“The accused ... is reckless and has no respect for the law and the community,” police said.