Tunbridge Wells Man Charged After Purportedly Coughing in Police Officer’s Face
Covid Concerns Spark Shocking Incident at Tonbridge Police Station
Darren Turpin, 51, from Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, faces assault charges after allegedly coughing deliberately in a police officer’s face. The incident happened on Sunday, 5 April 2020, when Turpin attended Tonbridge police station. Officers were screening him for Covid-19 symptoms as part of routine health checks related to another investigation.
Arrest Made and Court Appearance
Turpin was promptly arrested and charged with assaulting an emergency worker. He pleaded not guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 7 April. Magistrates ordered him held in custody, with a further hearing set for 15 April.
Legal Clout Behind the Charge
The charge falls under the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act, introduced in November 2018. The legislation protects frontline heroes—police, paramedics, nurses—and toughens sentencing for attacks on them.
