Man pleads not guilty to assaulting police

A man has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer during a brawl outside a Sydney pub.

Solomon Lafaitele, 36, from Rooty Hill, is one of three men charged over a fight outside a hotel at Botany, in which a police officer was punched in the head and spat on.

Police allege a scuffle started about 7pm (AEDT) on December 23 when officers tried to remove a patron from the bar.

During the ensuing brawl, an acting sergeant was punched and spat on.

He was treated in hospital for a cut to the head.

Two other officers were unharmed.

Lafaitele appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, where his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf to a charge of assaulting an officer.

Dwayne Thomas Rangi, 40, from North Strathfield, also appeared before the court on Monday, and his case was adjourned to February.

He is charged with assaulting a police officer and hindering police.

Elroy Pure, 22, who police alleged was the main offender, was convicted in Central Local Court last week of two counts of assault, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was placed on an 18-month good-behaviour bond and ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service.

Lafaitele will next face court on February 26.

He made no comment outside court.