A MAN accused of punching a pregnant woman in the face and stomach in an alleged road rage attack may have been in a psychotic state, a court has heard.

David Cutt, 37, of Tullamarine, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon following the alleged bashing on Tuesday night.

He is facing 28 charges following the alleged incident that left the 26-year-old mum-to-be in hospital with significant injuries.

Police say the heavily pregnant woman was punched in the face and abdomen by Mr Cutt after he crashed into her.

It is alleged Mr Cutt was driving east along Camp Rd in Broadmeadows when his car crossed four lanes into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the pregnant woman’s car about 10.30pm last night.

After turning on the woman Mr Cutt allegedly punched a police officer in the face before being subdued with capsicum spray.

He was charged with a string of offences including reckless conduct endangering persons, intentionally cause injury and other assault and traffic related offences.

Mr Cutt appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court for a brief hearing.

He had been arrested and taken to the Northern Hospital for treatment under police guard before being interviewed and charged.

Wearing a white T-shirt and black tracksuit Mr Cutt appeared to have a significant injury to his forehead.

Legal Aid lawyer Greg Thomas told the court Mr Cutt may have been in a “psychotic state” at the time of the alleged offending.

He asked Magistrate Amanda Chambers that Mr Cutt be assessed by a mental health nurse while being held on remand.

Mr Cutt told the court he was keen to be bailed because he “works five days a week...and has a fiancé”.

He did not make an application for bail.

But it is expected an application will be made when he returns to court later this month.

The 26-year-old woman from Broadmeadows, is seven months pregnant and was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she remains as doctors monitor her and the baby.

Her male passenger, also from Broadmeadows, was treated at the scene by paramedics.

The injured officer was taken to the Epworth Hospital with facial injuries but has since been released.

Witnesses are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

andrea.hamblin@news.com.au