A man accused of slashing a police officer in the neck with a makeshift spear has faced a Sydney court sporting a bruised face and a closed-over black eye.
As Rory James Constantino, 27, entered Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday there were gasps from the public gallery and his mother cried out "Oh my god".
Police allege Constantino attacked Constable Jacob Vella on Tuesday after the plain-clothed officer and his partner tried to arrest the man's father at a home in Sadleir over an outstanding warrant.
The 24-year-old constable was left with neck and hand wounds. He remains in a stable condition in Liverpool Hospital recovering from surgery.
Constantino was allegedly armed with a spear while his father, Rick Constantino, is accused of using a baseball bat in an attempt to stop police arresting them.
Rory Constantino faces seven charges including that he wounded Const Vella and wilfully obstructed his partner, Constable Grant Koschel.
He's also accused of assaulting and resisting two other officers including Sergeant Matthew Thomson, who encountered the 27-year-old after the initial incident.
Constantino's case was adjourned until August 5, although the court heard he's expected to make a bail application on June 24 once he has had time to speak with a solicitor.
His mother became emotional during her son's brief court appearance which ended with the accused man kissing his hand and saluting friends and family as he was taken back to the cells.
"I was very upset to see him like this. He's a good boy," Constantino's mother told reporters outside court.
Rick Constantino, 58, later faced court charged with using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention and assaulting Const Koschel.
No family or supporters were present as his case was also adjourned to June 24 for a possible bail hearing.
The father and son were both remanded in custody.
Australian Associated Press
