Former Home and Away actor allegedly punched female cop in face
Former Home and Away actor Joel McIlroy has faced court after allegedly assaulting a female police officer in Sydney's Surry Hills.
Just after 11am yesterday police had a man under arrest for a minor offence when they allege 46-year-old McIlroy, who starred as Flynn Saunders in the soap, approached them.
He was directed to leave but instead allegedly shoulder-charged a female senior constable and punched the two officers.
McIlroy, 46, who starred as Flynn Saunders in the soap, is due to appear in court on multiple counts of assault after a scuffle in which he allegedly punched the woman in Surry Hills. Supplied
Witness said the former actor and officers fell over barricades and onto the ground during the struggle, before a member of the public helped police. McIlroy was placed under arrest.
The 29-year-old policewoman suffered injuries to her face, neck and shoulder after she was punched repeatedly.
She was released from hospital this morning.
Today the actor's family said he suffers from Huntington's Disease, and can't always control his behavior.
Witness said the former actor and officers fell over barricades and onto the ground during the struggle, before a member of the public helped police. Nine
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McIlroy's neighbours said since his days on Home and Away the actor has struggled to get work and has become reclusive.
Police said he isn't cooperating with their investigation. They don't know why the officers were targeted.
Footage from the alleged scuffled showed him yelling: "you're choking me, you're choking me to death".
"Help me I can't breathe. Stop moving. Put the handcuffs on me. I can't breathe."
McIlroy was denied bail.
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