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James Robson, 22, committed the vile assault at Peterlee Police Station, a court heard.

After heckling at the detention officer, who was peering through the custody hatch, Robson warned those present he had Covid-19.

His antics came after he had been arrested for smashing his girlfriend’s £329 Apple iPad by deliberately kneeling on it on Monday, September 21.

The offence took place at a property in Shotton Colliery, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy: “It’s a domestic case. They have been in a relationship for four years. He knelt on her iPad deliberately, breaking it.

“While in custody, the custody officer was in the hatch. The defendant spat towards the hatch and said that he had coronavirus.

“The officer was about one-and-a-half metres away.”

The court heard the hatch was open at the time of the incident but it was not confirmed to the court if the spit hit the officer.

District Judge Kathryn Meek said she was considering all options for sentencing – and adjourned the case for reports.

She said: “I’m looking at all sentencing options, including a commit to crown court for sentencing.”

Robson, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage of under £5,000 and common assault on an emergency worker.

He was granted bail on condition he retains his home address of York Crescent, Hetton, for court correspondence.

His solicitor, Greg Flaxen, did not address the court.

Robson will return to the same court for sentencing on Monday, February 15.

Yob facing jail for spitting at police officer and claiming he had coronavirus after being arrested