Man who was 'abusive and threatening' to staff at North Yorkshire Covid-19 test site unable to attend court as he self-isolates with coronavirus symptoms

A man charged with being abusive and threatening to staff at a Covid-19 testing site in North Yorkshire was unable to attend his court hearing today as it was revealed he is self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms.

By Lucy Leeson

Published 2nd Feb 2021, 16:52 BST

A generic picture of a Covid-19 testing site

Edward Sutton, 60, from Leeds, was due to appear before York Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Sutton was charged with obstructing a person who was engaged in lawful activity.

Two other men, Marty Blagborough, 28, and Arthur Taylor, 61, were also charged with the same offence. They are due to appear at the same court on Thursday.

The men were arrested on Monday, January 11, following reports a group had attended the Poppleton Park testing site in York and were acting in an aggressive and threatening manner towards staff.

York Magistrates' Court heard how Sutton was unable to attend his hearing as it was revealed he is self-isolating and awaiting a Covid-19 test after displaying coronavirus symptoms.

His case was adjourned until February 19 at 12.30pm.

He is granted conditional bail and must not enter North Yorkshire except for his court hearing.