Gravesend Man Charged for Coughing at Police Amid Covid-19 Fears
A 26-year-old Gravesend man faces serious charges after allegedly coughing at police officers while claiming to have Covid-19 symptoms.
Incident at Tonbridge Police Station
Shaun Hewett turned up at Tonbridge police station on Tuesday, 21 April 2020, reportedly involved in an unrelated matter. Things quickly escalated when he deliberately coughed at officers, sparking fears of infection.
Multiple Charges for Assault and Vandalism
- Two counts of assaulting an emergency worker
- Criminal damage for vandalising a police cell
Hewett, of Camden Close, Gravesend, was promptly charged and remanded in custody. He is set to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 22 April.
Crackdown on Attacks Against Emergency Workers
The Assaults on Emergency Workers Act, in place since November 2018, toughens penalties for assaults on police, paramedics, nurses, and other frontline workers. This law aims to protect those risking their lives on the job.
