Criminals have shamelessly exploited the COVID-19 crisis to target our emergency services and NHS heroes. But now, the courts are fighting back hard — handing down tough prison sentences to those who threaten the very people keeping us safe.
Spitting and Coughing: A Sick New Weapon Against Heroes
From Leicester to Newton Aycliffe, offenders have taken to spitting and coughing at police and NHS workers — even claiming to wish them dead from coronavirus. Bevan Burke, 22, got 42 weeks in jail after coughing at officers and hoping they died. Tony Brash, 33, faced a 12-week suspended sentence for deliberately coughing on six police officers.
Leicester criminals Scott Crook and Stewart Motley stole charity money before Motley coughed in a cop’s face — together they were locked up for 44 weeks. Elsewhere, Wesley Upton spat at officers claiming he was infected and was jailed for six months. Patrick Delaney ended up behind bars for 22 weeks after spitting on police and supermarket staff in Warrington.
Coronavirus Scammers and Rule-Breakers Locked Up
It’s not just violent offenders. Fraudsters preyed on the vulnerable too. Ashaq Sattar, 40, posed as an NHS volunteer in Kirklees, charging for fake medicine collection services. The fraudster got 52 weeks in prison.
Rules breakers like Steven Mackie, 53, fined £500 for breaching lockdown in Stalybridge, and drug dealer Jason Harewood, 27, caught cycling with illegal substances, faced penalties. Kierran Stevenson, 32, received 12 weeks after posting hospital photos online, accusing staff of ignoring safety.
Top Brass Vow Zero Tolerance
“It is disappointing to see hard-working police officers, NHS staff and vital workers being coughed or spat at,” said Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill QC. “We take these offences immensely seriously. Offenders can face up to one year in prison. Our interim charging protocol makes coronavirus-related offences a highest priority.”
With so many assaults on frontline heroes, only the worst cases make headlines. But one thing’s clear — the UK justice system is cracking down hard on Covid criminals.
