Coronavirus 'super spreader' jailed for 16 weeks after coughing at police
A man who said he was a 'super spreader' of coronavirus has been jailed for 16 weeks after coughing at police officers.
The incident took place at around 3.30pm on April 2 when officers were called to a canal path in Swarkestone, Derbyshire, following reports from members of the public that a man was being abusive and threatening.
Derbyshire Police said Christopher McKendrick was carrying a piece of wood and waving it above his head in a threatening manner.
The police took the piece of wood off him and arrested him.
Whilst at the scene officers asked the 58-year-old if he was or had been suffering from the virus, to which he replied "I've already had it, I've got over it and now I am a super spreader so…".
He then coughed in the direction of the three officers.
McKendrick was charged with common assault, possession of an offensiveweapon in a public place, assault by beating of an emergency workerand using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour to causeharassment, alarm or distress.
He pleaded guilty to all of the charges at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on April 3.
He has been jailed for 16 weeks and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.
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