Teen shouted ‘I hope I’ve got coronavirus’

A teenager who admitted spitting at police and claiming to have coronavirus has escaped jail.

Shaun Michael Gravestock, of Oak Avenue, Sherburn, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, after being charged with four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Officers attended at his address following reports of a domestic incident at around 6.30pm on the previous day.

The 19-year-old became aggressive and grappled with officers, spitting at them and shouting: “I hope I’ve got coronavirus”.

An officer received an injury to his arm during the arrest and while being processed at Durham City Police Station, Gravestock continued to shout: “I’ve got the Coronavirus” and bit another officer on the leg.

Gravestock was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 12 months. He was also made subject to a threemonth curfew, from 9pm to 7am.

Assistant Chief Constable, John Ward, said: “Spitting at officers is a disgusting act and never acceptable, especially in these unprecedented times.

“This offence will not be tolerated.”

Another man, Ian Muncaster, is due to appear at the same court today after officers were allegedly spat at.

Muncaster, of Cotswold Place, Peterlee, was arrested after reports he was drink-driving. The 40-yearold has been charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and will also face charges of drinkdriving, driving without a licence and no insurance.