Covid-positive prisoner spat at police officer
A COVID-19 positive inmate who spat at a police officer after escaping custody has been jailed.
Adam Kirby, of Stockton, will spend the next four years in prison after spitting in the eye of a Cleveland Police officer – who had previously been ill with the virus.
The incident took place on October 1, 2021 whilst the defendant was being treated at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.
Prosecuting Jess Butterell said: “He was asked to wear a mask to protect others around him from catching the virus but he became difficult and refused to put it on. He was then abusive towards staff who were trying to help him.”
Later at 11am, he asked to use the toilet in the hospital
and was escorted by police but managed to escape.
The court heard shortly after he was hit by a car and handcuffed by officers.
Once back on the ward he shouted “take the cuffs off or I’m going to start biting you” to police.
One officer then decided to apply a bite guard and a spit hood but the defendant kicked out and continued to be abusive. Miss Butterell said after treatment the defendant was then declared fit by the doctor and taken back to the police van. Once in the van, he managed to pull off his spit hood and spat at the officer.
In mitigation, the court heard the defendant suffers with ADHD and substance abuse but has developed a keen interest in horticulture in prison.
Defending Mark Styles said: “He knows he’s got to sort himself out and is taking the first steps to do this. He’s concentrating on learning whilst in his cell and has not been wasting his time.”
Kirby, 34, was also sentenced for four other offences – two burglaries, theft, and escaping from custody. Kirby, of Hartington Road, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for the offences.
Sentencing Judge Howard Crowson said: “The most offensive part of your offending was you removed your hood and spat straight in the face of the police officer, knowing at the time you had Covid. You might not have known it but the police officer previously had Covid-19 and had been particularly ill with it.”