Covid Cough Cop Attack: Man Jailed for Threatening to Infect Officer
Man coughs in officer’s face claiming Covid infection
A 39-year-old man has been convicted after deliberately coughing in a police officer’s face, claiming he was infected with Covid-19. Trevor Dangerfield, of Singleton Walk, Bexhill, admitted the assault at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (April 18).
Aggressive outburst sparks police arrest
Police were called to a disturbance at a property in Carmel Heights, St Leonards, at 9.45am the previous day. Upon arrival, Dangerfield reacted aggressively and was detained on suspicion of breaching the peace.
Deliberate threat to infect officer and family
While in custody, Dangerfield coughed directly into an officer’s face, declaring he had Covid-19 and “wanted to infect the officer and his family.” This led to further charges of assaulting an emergency worker.
Sentence handed down: Jail time suspended
Dangerfield pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for one year. He must also pay £100 compensation and a £156 victim surcharge.
Detective Inspector Steven Shimmons said: “Our officers should not have to deal with being assaulted while carrying out their duties to protect the public. The fact he coughed in an officer’s face and said he has Covid-19 is awful, but to then make direct reference to infecting the officer’s family is despicable and obviously distressing. We hope this conviction goes to show that any such behaviour will not be tolerated.”
