Nassau County Police Officer Kenneth Baribault appeared in court Tuesday at the trial of the driver accused of smashing into his marked patrol car on the LIE last May.

Baribault was left paralyzed on one side and mostly unable to communicate by the crash. Rahiem Griffin, 28, is facing charges of assault and drunken driving. The court was packed Tuesday with observers waiting to see whether Baribault would take the stand and testify.

Baribault did appear before the court, but did not speak. Instead, his doctor demonstrated Baribault?s abilities and limitations by asking simple questions. The police officer answered by shaking his head yes and no and giving a thumbs up or down.

?I'm concerned about him because confronting this whole situation and being here in court is very stressful for him so we'll have to monitor him very closely,? Neuropsychologist Dr. Philip Defina said outside court.

Baribault?s sister Danielle Rella says appearing in court was something her brother was determined to do. The officer did not stay for the rest of the day?s testimony, though some of his family members did.

Griffin's defense attorney has admitted that his client was drinking, driving and speeding but says he wasn't negligent.