Man jailed after spitting at police as he claimed he had Covid-19

A man has been jailed for spitting at police officers claiming he had Covid-19 after they were called to reports hotel guests were being threatened.
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Durham Constabulary’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell has defended her officers’ rights to work without being assaulted in the wake of the incident in Shotton Colliery, which saw the colleagues kicked during the attack.

Police were called to a hotel in the village on Saturday, October 17, following reports that a man was threatening another guest.

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When they arrived, the officers found the man to be Sean Harris, who was also wanted for failing to appear at court.

Sean Harris claimed he had coronavirus when he spat at two Durham Constabulary officers.Sean Harris claimed he had coronavirus when he spat at two Durham Constabulary officers.
Sean Harris claimed he had coronavirus when he spat at two Durham Constabulary officers.
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As they attempted to arrest him, Harris began assaulting the two officers, kicking one between his legs in the groin area and kicking the other to her leg and chest, which caused her to fall backwards into a wardrobe.

The 35-year-old then tried to spit at the officers after claiming he had recently tested positive for Covid-19.

He was pepper sprayed and put into a police van, where he continued to be abusive towards the officers. He also spat all over the van, which meant it had to be taken off the road and deep cleaned.

Jo Farrell, Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, has said her officers should not face attacks as they work to keep people safe.Jo Farrell, Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, has said her officers should not face attacks as they work to keep people safe.
Jo Farrell, Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, has said her officers should not face attacks as they work to keep people safe.
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Harris, of Gordon Terrace, Stanley, was charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency service worker and one count of criminal damage.

He admitted the offences and magistrates sitting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court jailed him for 18 weeks.

The force’s Chief Constable said: “While the very nature of policing requires officers to attend potentially dangerous situations, it is never acceptable to assume that assaults on my officers and staff should be tolerated.

"It is not simply ‘part of their job’ and is completely unacceptable.

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“The public call upon the police to help them when they are most in need. We have a duty to protect the public, but we are all too often prevented from doing so due to violent individuals who choose to attack those who are there to help them.

“It should be remembered that police officers and staff are people, they are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.

"Assaults not only have a physical impact, but a psychological effect on both the officer or staff member, and their friends, family and colleagues.”

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