A man accused of firing a catapult at two police officers and a police dog has been remanded in custody. 

Appearing before Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon via video link from Melksham police station, Mark Day, 33, of Moot Close, Downton, gave no indication of his pleas to eight charges.

He has been charged with:

  • Two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to two police officers
  • Possession of an offensive weapon, a catapult
  • Aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving
  • Driving while disqualified
  • Driving without insurance
  • Failing to provide a specimen of blood or urine
  • Causing uneccesary suffering to a police dog 

A charge of failing to stop for officers was withdrawn by prosecutor Keith Ballinger.

The charges follow a police chase on Saturday morning. A Land Rover Defender was pursued from Dorset to Amesbury, with two occupants of the vehicle leaving the 4x4 in Stonehenge Road. Day is accused of firing a catapult at two police officers and a police dog, called Elvis, as he fled the scene.

Day, who appeared in court over the video link shirtless and flanked by two police officers, spoke only to confirm his personal details and that he had understood the court proceedings.

He was remanded in custody by District Judge Tim Patterson and is due before Salisbury Crown Court on June 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The defendant was represented by solicitor Richard Williams. The case was heard over the HM Courts and Tribunals Service's new Skype-like video conferencing programme.