Officer pleads not guilty in assault case

BARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP) - A Sandwich police officer accused of beating a man so severely he required 37 stitches to his face has pleaded not guilty.

Officer Dennis Byrne pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at his arraignment Wednesday in Barnstable District Court.

The Cape Cod Times reports that according to police reports, Byrne has a history of threatening the alleged victim, who has a relationship with Byrne's wife.

The alleged incident occurred on June 17 when the 38-year-old Byrne went to the other man's home.

The alleged beating took place after Byrne was asked to leave and refused.

Byrne, a 10-year veteran, has been placed on paid administrative leave by the department. He and his lawyer refused comment after their court appearance.