Drunken Woman Jailed for Coughing in Officers’ Faces and Threatening to Infect Them with COVID-19
Littlehampton Woman Sent Down for Six Months
Lisa Scopes, 36, from West Way, Littlehampton, has been slapped with a six-month prison sentence after attacking two police officers and deliberately coughing in their faces. She even claimed she wanted to infect them with COVID-19.
The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday 19 August, following her admission to threatening behaviour and assault.
Chaos at the Scene: Police Called to Violent Dispute
Officers arrived at Scopes’ home on 29 March after reports of a violent dispute. They found her drunk, aggressive, and verbally abusive. Without warning, she repeatedly coughed at one of the officers.
During her arrest, Scopes upped the ante. She coughed in the faces of both officers and blew air from her nose, telling them she hoped they would catch the virus. She had been self-isolating and claimed to have a temperature, but tests later showed she did not have COVID-19.
Officers Left Unharmed but Shaken
Thankfully, both officers tested negative for any virus. Chief Inspector Jon Carter condemned Scopes’ outrageous behaviour. He said:
“Being assaulted is not part of our officers’ jobs and will not be tolerated. The officers were simply trying to help in a volatile situation and keep everyone safe. Scopes’ actions were despicable, and it is good the court reflected that.”
