Blenheim man Richard James Hayden has admitted disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer by spitting at him, but continues to deny intentionally injuring another officer. 

In the Blenheim District Court today Judge Peter Hobbs said that, according to police, Hayden, 45, headbutted the officer, breaking his nose during the incident at the Blenheim train station on Grove Rd shortly before Christmas. 

Hayden used to own a horse called Beautiful which he would ride around Blenheim, but when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court today, Hayden said the horse was missing since his arrest. Judge Hobbs granted Hayden 48 hours to look for Beautiful before he has to return to Christchurch where he has been living on bail. 

Hayden's lawyer Rennie Gould said Hayden was considering leaving Blenheim permanently and moving to Christchurch if he could not find the horse or somewhere to live. 

Hayden was charged with assault with intent to injure, assault, disorderly behaviour and breach of the Blenheim liquor ban following the incident. He had already admitted a charge of breaching the liquor ban and admitted the charges of disorderly behaviour and assault in court today. 

However, Mrs Gould said she thought the charge of injuring with intent to injure was wrong. She did not believe Hayden intended to injure the officer, she said, as he was grossly intoxicated and had several concussions prior to the incident and she asked police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Harris to reduce the charge. 

When Mr Harris declined, Hayden said he was maintaining his not guilty plea. Judge Hobbs advised Mrs Gould to keep talking to the police to see if they could agree on a resolution to the charges and remanded Hayden to reappear on April 12 when a date will be set for a judge to hear his case. 

Do you know where Beautiful is? Contact the express news@marlexpress.co.nz or 5208927

- The Marlborough Express

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