Man Spits in Cop’s Face Claiming He’s Got Coronavirus
A thug spat in a police officer’s eye while claiming he had COVID-19 after a brawl in St Ann’s. Joshua Staples, 25, was locked up for 18 months at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 6 January 2021.
He pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and common assault.
Fight in St Ann’s Ends with Shocking Assault
Police were called to Sketchley Street in the early hours of 21 August 2020, after reports of multiple people fighting. Officers quickly arrested Staples, who had injured his hand during the scuffle. He was taken to hospital but continued to act violently and refused to cooperate with staff.
When challenged by an officer at the hospital, Staples spat straight in his eye and claimed he had Covid-19 symptoms. It was later confirmed he did not have the virus.
The officer is thankfully safe and well.
Nottingham Police Hit Back: ‘No Tolerance for Spitting Thugs’
“We will not tolerate anyone who deliberately spits at or coughs on our officers,” said Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Gerard Milano.
“Our officers put themselves at risk every day to protect the public. They should never have to suffer this. One officer drove Staples to hospital and was repaid by being spat at. This is despicable.”
“Staples has been punished and rightly so,” he added.
Key Workers Launch Campaign Against Abuse During Pandemic
Following a rise in attacks on frontline workers, key staff across Nottinghamshire have united to demand respect. A new video features doctors, nurses, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, and others sharing their stories.
The message is clear: assaults on those battling the coronavirus outbreak will not be tolerated. The campaign is backed by Nottinghamshire Police, the NHS, Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Ministry of Justice, and local councils.
The video highlights the human side of key workers, showing the impact assaults have on their families and communities.
