Coronavirus Spitting Scandal: Man Jailed After Spitting at Police Officer Claiming He’s Covid-19 Positive
Farnborough Man Sent to Prison for Horrific Spitting Attack
A Hampshire police officer was spat at by a man claiming he had coronavirus – and now the culprit is behind bars. Jason Porter, who was self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms, lashed out at PC Stan Howe during a welfare call in Farnborough on April 1. Porter aggressively spat at the officer, warning him he was infected with the deadly virus.
PC Howe Forced to Self-Isolate, Wife Worried for NHS Work
PC Howe had no choice but to self-isolate for two weeks after the terrifying incident. His wife Lisa, an NHS worker, was left anxiously concerned about her own health and job safety. Thankfully, PC Howe did not catch the virus but the ordeal severely disrupted his frontline duties.
Judge Hands Down 24 Weeks for Assault and Racially Aggravated Charges
Yesterday (April 23), Porter was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison for assaulting officers by spitting and for racially aggravated assault and public order offences. He was also ordered to pay compensation to the victim. Justice swiftly served.
Police Chiefs Demand Tougher Sentences for Covid-19 Spitters
Hampshire Police Federation Chairman Alex Charge slammed the cowardly attack:
“Anyone who spits at or threatens COVID-19 infection to police officers needs to be sent to prison. This case shows the wider harm caused to society by people who assault emergency service workers. There needs to be a clear message; if you behave like this, then you go to prison.”
Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton called the spitting “weaponising the virus” and demanded jail time should become the norm for offenders.
“Spitting is vile behaviour at any time, but weaponising Covid-19 like this is beyond disgusting. This selfish act endangered my officer and his family and forced him off the frontline. Let this be a warning: assault emergency workers, face the consequences.”
Victim’s Wife Speaks Out: ‘Totally Unacceptable’
After the attack, PC Howe’s wife Lisa took to social media to condemn the assault:
“Last night a Hampshire officer was spat on by someone who was self-isolating! Some will say ‘well, this is a hazard of the job’…. to us this police officer is a hero, husband, daddy, brother, uncle and this is totally unacceptable! Thanks to this person, he is now in A&E due to the risk of hepatitis and has been advised to self-isolate, meaning he is unable to be on the frontline.”
This shocking attack highlights the brutal risks emergency workers face every day – and the courts have sent a clear message: COVID-19 is no excuse for violence.
