Birmingham Man Jailed for Spitting ‘Corona’ at Police
A Birmingham man has been locked up for six months after repeatedly spitting at three police officers while claiming he had COVID-19.
Hardline Stance on Spitting at Key Workers
The courts are taking a tough line on attacks against frontline workers during the pandemic. Most convicts caught spitting or coughing on emergency service personnel are handed custodial sentences.
Defiant Harris Targets Police During Arrest
Christopher Harris, 41, sparked outrage when he spat at officers as they tried to arrest him at his Stechford home on March 27.
Police were there to recall Harris to prison. As they moved to take him into custody, he claimed he had “corona” before trying to spit at the officers.
Thankfully, officers had a spit hood ready. They placed it over Harris’s head, limiting his saliva to his own face. Undeterred, Harris kept trying to spit through the hood.
Later, Harris refused to leave his cell for court, insisting he was “self-isolating.” The hearing went ahead via video link.
Six Months Inside for Assaulting Police
Birmingham Magistrates Court jailed Harris for 26 weeks, convicting him on three counts of assaulting a police officer.
PC Scott Dent of Birmingham East neighbourhood team said:
“This sentencing is a clear sign that using coronavirus as a weapon will not be tolerated.
As officers, we will always act to ensure we protect the general public and ourselves from those who behave in this totally unacceptable manner.”
