Former world champion boxer accused of punching plain clothes policeman at home

When asked how he wished to respond to the charge at Norwich Magistrates' Court, Hide declared himself "definitely not guilty."

The incident in question took place on July 3 last year at his gated home on Long Lane in Bawburgh, situated on the outskirts of Norwich.

Hide was released on unconditional bail and will face trial on December 9.

According to prosecutors, officers who were not in uniform arrived at the property that day in an unmarked vehicle.

The court heard that after one of the officers got back into the car, Hide allegedly punched him in the face.

It was claimed that the officer who was struck had not made his identity as a police constable known to the former boxer.

The prosecution's account suggests the confrontation occurred after the plainclothes officers had gained access to Hide's secured property, with the alleged assault taking place as one returned to their vehicle.

Magistrates apologised to both parties for the matter not being scheduled for an earlier hearing, citing ongoing backlogs within the court system.

Speaking directly to the magistrates, Hide offered his own account of what transpired that day.

The former champion told the court: "A man who I didn't know came into my house speaking to my children."

His solicitor, Ian Fisher, urged those presiding over the case to consider the situation from his client's viewpoint.

The defence lawyer argued: "Put yourselves in the shoes of any householder who might be somewhat unnerved by the presence of men who refused to say who they were or what they wanted."

The defence's position centres on the claim that the individuals who entered Hide's property failed to disclose their identities or explain their purpose for being there.

Hide was born Herbert Okechukwu Maduagwu in Nigeria in 1971 before relocating to Norfolk as a youngster, where he spent his formative years.

The former fighter rose to prominence on the world stage when he captured the World Boxing Organisation heavyweight belt by defeating Michael Bentt in 1994.

Three years later, he reclaimed the title with a triumph over Tony Tucker, holding the championship from 1997 to 1999.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of his career came in 1998, when he dispatched American challenger Damon Reed in under 60 seconds.

The contest was widely regarded at the time as the quickest heavyweight title fight victory ever recorded.

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