Thug jailed for spitting at officer through police cell in Yorkshire after claiming to have Covid

A "disgusting thug" has been jailed for spitting at a detention officer in North Yorkshire, leaving the officer fearing he may be infected with coronavirus.

Daniel Davis, 38, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences on Friday January 15 - when police say he should have been isolating.

He was taken into custody where he attempted to relieve himself on the floor and began to threaten officers and staff.

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During a routine check in the police cells, he claimed to have coronavirus before spitting through the hatch at a detention officer.

The officer feared he may be infected with coronavirus after he was spat on in the attack (stock image)The officer feared he may be infected with coronavirus after he was spat on in the attack (stock image)
The officer feared he may be infected with coronavirus after he was spat on in the attack (stock image)

He was charged with assault of an emergency worker and pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrates last month.

Davis, of Wheatfields Court, Eastfield, was jailed for 22 weeks for the attack.

He appeared at York Crown Court on February 5 where he was also ordered to pay £128 in compensation.

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In a statement, North Yorkshire Police condemned the actions of the "disgusting thug" and said the jail sentence should act as a stern warning.

Superintendent Mike Walker said: “This incident caused a great deal of distress to our officer, and his colleagues, who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to serve and protect our communities.

“It was an unprovoked and senseless attack at a time when Davis should have been isolating. It left our officer fearing that he may be infected and exposed his family to the disease.

“I hope the custodial sentence handed down by the judge reinforces how seriously offences of this nature are taken by the criminal justice system.

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Supt Walker added: “It is never acceptable to assume that assaults upon police officers and staff should be tolerated, they are not simply ‘part of the job’.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the overwhelming majority of you who continue to support all of the emergency services during these unprecedented times.”