Woman Jailed for Racist Assault and Spitting on Police
A 52-year-old woman from Croydon has been locked up for racially aggravated assault and attacking emergency workers. Carol Cowan pleaded guilty to all charges at Croydon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 9 June.
Jail Time and Compensation Ordered
- 20 weeks for racially aggravated assault
- 26 weeks for assaulting two emergency workers
- £100 compensation to each of the three victims
The sentences will run concurrently.
The Incident
On Monday, 8 June around 10:45am, police on patrol in Westow Street, Croydon, were alerted by a member of the public after Cowan unleashed verbal racial abuse and spat in her face. Officers quickly found Cowan and detained her.
Shockingly, inside the police vehicle, Cowan claimed she was suffering from COVID-19 and deliberately coughed in the officers’ faces.
She was charged with a Section 4 Public Order offence and common assault before being remanded to appear in court the next day.
Police Condemn Appalling Behaviour
“Spitting or coughing in the face at anyone is disgusting and unacceptable behaviour at any time, but given the concerns around COVID19 that we all currently face it is appalling.” – Inspector Duncan Anderson, Croydon Police
