Teenager spat at police and shouted ‘I hope I’ve got coronavirus’

Shaun Michael Gravestock, of Oak Avenue, Sherburn, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 6, after being charged with four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Officers attended at his address following reports of a domestic incident at around 6.30pm on the previous day.

The 19-year-old became aggressive and grappled with officers, spitting at them and shouting: “I hope I’ve got coronavirus”.

An officer received an injury to his arm during the arrest and while being processed at Durham City Police Station, Gravestock continued to shout: “I’ve got the Coronavirus” and bit another officer on the leg.

Gravestock was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 12 months. He was also made subject to a three-month curfew, from 9pm to 7am.

Assistant Chief Constable, John Ward, said: “Spitting at officers is a disgusting act and never acceptable, especially in these unprecedented times.

“Our officers continue to serve our communities and like many frontline workers, don’t want to catch Coronavirus during the course of their duties and take it home to their families.

“This offence will not be tolerated.”

Another man, Ian Muncaster, is also due to appear at the same court on Tuesday, April 7, after officers were allegedly spat at.

Muncaster, of Cotswold Place, Peterlee, was arrested after reports he was drink driving.

The 40-year-old has been charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and will also face charges of drink driving, driving without a licence and having no insurance.

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