Man jailed after spitting at Poundland staff and police in Castleford

A man has been sentenced to six months in prison at Leeds Magistrates’ Court for COVID-related offences.

57-year-old Darren Swain became aggressive and abusive to staff at a Poundland store in Castleford who were supervising a queue of shoppers, allowing only a restricted number into the store at any one time to ensure social distancing.

Swain attempted to jump the queue, and when prevented by staff, coughed theatrically into the air close to them and to nearby members of the public.

He then gargled and spat in the direction of a female staff member, and laughed. When police officers arrived at the scene, he spat at them also.

Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said: