A Terre Haute man appeared in court yesterday for allegedly assaulting a correctional officer in the Vigo County jail. Authorities said when William Duling, 32, refused to be locked down about 9 p.m. Wednesday, correctional officer Jamie Benson went near the cell to speak with him.

Duling allegedly swung twice at Benson, hitting her once in the jaw before grabbing her throat with his arm, said Vigo County Sheriff Jon Marvel. Marvel said the inmate, who had been in jail since September on an intimidation charge, has had multiple disciplinary problems since his incarceration.

Benson was treated and released from Terre Haute Regional Hospital, police said. Duling appeared Thursday in Vigo County Superior Court Division 1, where Judge Michael H. Eldred set his bail at $50,000. Duling temporarily will be housed in the Indiana Department of Correction, according to Eldred's orders.