Yob jailed after spitting in police officer's face in attack described by judge as 'disgusting' and 'abhorrent'

Gianni Quinn, 26, of Store Terrace, Easington Lane, is starting 16 weeks behind bars for an attack described by a judge as “particularly disgusting, particularly abhorrent”.

He attacked the officer after first being dragged to the ground when he fought against arrest in Store Terrace on Thursday, April 2.

After being handcuffed, pulled to his feet and walked to an awaiting van, Quinn spat directly at the PC, a court heard.

The incident led the officer to fear for his well-being at the hands of someone he said had “little regard for his own health”.

Sentencing Quinn, District Judge Kathryn Meek said: “Spitting in the face of anyone is disgusting, it’s abhorrent.

“Spitting in the face of a policeman during a pandemic which is airborne and a virus, was particularly disgusting, particularly abhorrent, and not to be tolerated.

“This offence is so serious that it has to be an immediate sentence.”

Prosecutor Grace Taylor told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “He was unsteady on his feet and appeared drunk and was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

“He became aggressive with the officers, who were forced to take him to the ground to place him in handcuffs.

“When he was brought to his feet and taken to the back of the van, he spat directly in the face of the officer. The spittle hit him in the face.

“A spit hood was put on him to prevent further assault.”

Paul McAlindon, defending, said Quinn had been suffering with mental health issues and had no recollection of the incident.

He urged Judge Meek not to jail him, insisting he was making personal progress, but added: “He has come prepared and has brought his bag.

“He’s under no illusion about the severity of the offence and the dim view the court will take of this.”

Quinn, who pleaded guilty to common assault of an emergency worker, must also pay a £128 victim surcharge.

There were no court costs, but he was given a seven-day concurrent sentence in lieu of outstanding fines.

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