SALEM, Mass. -- The former chief executive of a failed effort to bring IndyCar racing to Boston has been charged with kicking a news photographer in a courthouse hallway.

John Casey was freed on $1,200 bail after pleading not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at his arraignment Thursday in Salem.

Prosecutors say Casey, 53, swore at reporters and kicked a Boston Herald photographer in the arm Wednesday after leaving a courtroom following a hearing on a civil matter. In that case, Global Partners, a gas station and convenience store company, has sued for the return of $275,000 it paid to sponsor the race.

Casey is representing himself in both cases.

He said he suffered a panic attack when approached by the "aggressive" photographer and denied making contact.

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