A SOLICITOR was bitten on the forehead amid attempts to prevent him from leaving work in his car, the High Court has heard.
Prosecutors claimed Paudraig O'Hagan (32) launched the attack after seizing the keys to the victim's vehicle in Newry.
O'Hagan is also accused of biting and spitting on PSNI officers during the incident on January 12.
The defendant, of Chestnut Grove in Newry, faces charges of common assault, theft, criminal damage and two counts of assault on police.
He was granted bail after a judge heard he "unreservedly apologises" for his alleged behaviour during the chance encounter as the victim sat in his car at Church Avenue.
The prosecution claimed O'Hagan opened the door, took the keys and grabbed the motorist's legs before the men began to grapple.
A Crown lawyer said: "The injured party alleged that he was then bitten on the forehead" and that O'Hagan struck the car window, kicked off a wing mirror and threw files and a laptop on the ground.
When O'Hagan was arrested he allegedly spat on one officer's face and bit another on the leg.
Defence counsel Damien Halleron said his client had limited memory of the events due to an alcohol addiction.
"The alleged victim in that case is a well-known individual in the south Down area, he's a member of the legal profession," Mr Halleron disclosed.
Granting bail under strict conditions, Mr Justice Fowler indicated it was to give the accused a chance to obtain help for his alcoholism, return to work and provide for his children.
