Man accused of risking police officers’ lives by coughing on them

No plea made to 10 charges including burping on and smirking at PCs

A 53-year-old man has been accused of breaking wind and coughing on police officers and endangering their lives.

Colin Simpson is also alleged to have burped on the officers before smirking at them, a court has heard.

Simpson appeared in private at Dundee Sheriff Court to face a total of 10 charges, which allegedly happened on May 17.

He is alleged to have attacked PC Stuart Walker and endangered his life by coughing on him while laughing, smirking and refusing to disclose whether he had Covid-19 symptoms.

Simpson is also alleged to have put PC Luke Doogan’s life in danger by coughing on him while laughing, smirking and refusing to disclose whether he had symptoms of Covid.

Simpson, of Brothock Way, Arbroath, is also alleged to have urinated on both officers at Dundee’s police HQ.

The petition also alleges he performed a sex act in front of the officers.

Simpson is further alleged to have driven carelessly and at excessive speed on Gardner Street, Rankine Street and Lochee Road, Dundee, on May 17.

That charge alleges he straddled the centre line, crossed into the opposing carriageway and failed to give way, before driving through a red light.

Simpson is accused of driving with no insurance and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by acting aggressively, shouting, threatening violence and uttering offensive remarks.

Simpson entered no plea and the case against him was continued for further examination.

He was freed on bail.

Dundee Sheriff Court.