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Judge overturns bail for Barry Rossiter accused of PC's attempted murder in Ashford

A man given bail following an alleged attempt to murder a police officer has now been remanded in prison after the decision was reversed.

Barry Rossiter, from Ashford, will await his next court date behind bars after a judge today decided to overturn a previous ruling made by magistrates.

Officers were speaking to residents and drivers after the incident in Coulter Road, Ashford. Picture: Kent Police
Officers were speaking to residents and drivers after the incident in Coulter Road, Ashford. Picture: Kent Police

The Crown Prosecution Service successfully argued bail should be rescinded for the 23-year-old, who is accused of attempting to murder PC Adam Staughton in an alleged hit-and-run.

He was not required to attend proceedings at Canterbury Crown Court this morning, but is expected to be present for his plea and trial preparation hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on March 4.

Rossiter, of Nickley Wood, is charged with attempting to murder the police officer in a collision that occurred at 3.16pm in Coulter Road, near the junction with Hedgers Way, in Ashford, on Friday, January 26.

The constable was on foot at the time and it is alleged the car failed to stop at the scene.

He sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital, from where he has since been discharged to continue his recovery at home.

Canterbury Crown Court. Picture: Stock image
Canterbury Crown Court. Picture: Stock image

Rossiter was arrested five days later and subsequently charged with attempted murder and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He is also accused of assaulting an emergency worker in respect of a second police officer.

The decision to revoke his bail was made by Judge Simon James.

A teenager, Ben Wilson, of Plurenden Road, High Halden, has also been charged with assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice.

The 19-year-old was due to appear at Medway Magistrates' Court yesterday (Monday).

Four others - two men aged 19 and 37, and two women 19 and 32 were also arrested in connection with the incident.

They are all from the local area and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Investigators are continuing to appeal for witnesses and urging drivers with dashcam to contact Kent Police if they were travelling on Coulter Road, Long Length, Tally Ho Road and Hornash Lane between 3pm and 3:30pm on January 26.

Anyone with information should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/14411/24, or visit the appeal page on the police website.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.

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