Brighton man jailed for spitting at officers while claiming to be infected with coronavirus

A man who repeatedly spat at officers while claiming to be infected with coronavirus has been jailed.
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The Crown Prosecution Service authorised Peter Davy, 65, unemployed of Albion Street, Brighton, to be charged with three counts of assaulting an emergency worker; using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence; and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Police said officers attended a report of criminal damage at a block of flats in Albion Street around 5.50pm on Saturday (March 28).

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While responding to the incident, Davy repeatedly spat at the police officers while claiming he was infected with coronavirus.

Peter Davy. Picture courtesy of Sussex Police SUS-200331-065211001Peter Davy. Picture courtesy of Sussex Police SUS-200331-065211001
Peter Davy. Picture courtesy of Sussex Police SUS-200331-065211001

Police said Davy appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday, March 30) and was given a 12-week custodial sentence.

Divisional Commander for Brighton and Hove, Nick May said: “This is an appalling act by this defendant, against officers simply doing their job of protecting the public.

“The fact that he spat at the officers is bad enough, but to then claim to have Covid-19, makes the behaviour even more despicable. Being assaulted is not part of the job.

“I very much welcome the sentencing of the court as it acknowledges the severity of this case.”