A Tauranga man has appeared in court after allegedly threatening to bite a police officer. Thomas Hita, 22, appeared in Tauranga District Court this week on charges of breaching a protection order, assault with intent to injure, assaulting police and wilful damage - the later relating to pushing over a gasheater. The offences were alleged to have occurred last Friday night after Hita was invited to the Meander St home of the complainant who was also being visited by Hita's former partner, who had taken out a protection order against him. The court was told the assault-with-intent charge related to an allegation that after being abusive to his ex-partner, Hita pushed the other woman up against a balcony, put one hand around her throat and raised his other hand to punch her. However, no blow was struck. Hita's threat to bite a police officer was alleged to have occurred while being transported back to the station. Police opposed Hita's bail, but lawyer Glenn Dixon said Hita would abide by any conditions imposed by the court. Judge Christopher Harding remanded Hita on bail with strict conditions including a nightly curfew and a ban on him going south of 11th Ave. The judge warned Hita any breach of his bail terms would see him back in custody. Hita was expected back in court on July 12.
