Yob who spat at police claimed he had Covid

A man could be jailed for spitting at a police officer while being taken into custody – and claiming he had coronavirus.

JamesRobson,22,committed the vile assault at Peterlee Police Station, a court heard.

Afterhecklingatthedetention officer, who was peering through the custody hatch, Robson warned those present he had Covid-19.

Hisanticscameafterhehad beenarrestedforsmashinghis girlfriend’s £329 Apple iPad by deliberately kneeling on it on September 21.

The offence took place at a property in Shotton Colliery, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy: “It’sadomesticcase.Theyhave been in a relationship for four years.

"He knelt on her iPad deliberately, breaking it.

“While in custody, the custody officer was in the hatch.

The defendant spat towards the hatch and said that he had coronavirus.

“The officer was about oneand-a-half metres away.”

The court heard the hatch was open at the time of the incidentbutitwasnotconfirmed tothecourtifthespithittheofficer.

District Judge Kathryn Meeksaidshewasconsidering alloptionsforsentencing–and adjournedthecaseforreports.

She said: “I’m looking at all sentencingoptions,includinga committocrowncourtforsentencing.”

Robson, who has no previousconvictions,pleadedguilty to causing criminal damage of under£5,000andcommonassaultonanemergencyworker.

He was granted bail on condition he retains his home addressofYorkCrescent,Hetton, for court correspondence.

Robson will return to the same court for sentencing on Monday, February 15.