A Gravesend man has been charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker after he allegedly deliberately coughed at police officers amid claims he had Covid-19 symptoms.
Shaun Hewett, of Camden Close, Gravesend, attended Tonbridge police station "in relation to another matter" on Tuesday April 21.
At the police station it is alleged that the 26-year-old deliberately coughed at police officers whilst claiming he had coronavirus.
He was arrested and charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker to appear before Medway Magistrates Court on April 22.
Hewett was further charged with causing criminal damage after he allegedly damaged his police cell.
The Assaults on Emergency Workers Act came into force in November 2018 and created a new offence of assault against emergency workers - including police, paramedics, nurses and other blue light workers. It also provides tougher sentencing powers for judges.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel