Man under police guard after ex-partner, officers assaulted outside Sydney court

A man is under police guard in hospital after allegedly assaulting his former partner and police outside a Sydney court.

Around 2.30pm on Friday a 34-year-old man appeared at Downing Centre Local Court for a hearing.

It's alleged he approached and assaulted his former partner outside the court.

While police were arresting him, he became aggressive and assaulted the officers, police said.

He was taken to Sydney City Police Station before being taken to St Vincent's Hospital after telling police he required medical treatment.

It's further alleged the man escaped custody inside the hospital and assaulted officers again.

The man was subdued and remains under police guard in hospital.

The police officers suffered minor scratches and bruising but did not require medical treatment.

Police expect to charge the man with multiple offences including common assault, assault police, escape lawful custody, intimidate witness and resist arrest.