Police say anyone who spits at officers will face justice as Hartlepool man locked up for two years

It comes as John David Gray’s behaviour was described as ‘disgraceful’ after being caught during a burglary at The Royal pub.

Teesside Crown Court heard he spat blood claiming he had Covid-19.

Later at James Cook Hospital, Gray rubbed blood from his arm on the arm of one of the police officers and said he hoped the officer would catch the virus. He also spat blood inside a police van and laughed saying “contaminated”.

He did not actually have the virus.

Gray, of Tower Street, Hartlepool, admitted to burglary, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and damaging property.

Detective Superintendent from Cleveland Police CID, Helen Barker said: “We are happy that justice has been served in court and that John David Gray will be serving a two year sentence for his crimes.

“During this pandemic officers have continued to put their lives on the line to protect our communities and no officer should be assaulted or spat at and threatened with COVID 19 when carrying out their duties.

“This behaviour is appalling and will not be tolerated and I hope the sentence is a clear warning to others that we will bring you to justice if you behave in this way.

“I hope the victims are pleased with the sentence knowing that John Gray will be behind bars for his reckless behaviour.”

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, told the court: “As he was about to be released [from hospital] he said to one of the PCs ‘I will spit in your face and see how you like it when you have Covid.

“He rubbed a bloodied arm on [the officer’s] arm several times and added he hopes the officer would catch the virus.”

Judge Stephen Ashurst said: “Most right thinking members of the public would be alarmed by the suggestion that anyone even in jest should suggest that they were carrying a potentially lethal virus, and when they are bloodied and threatening to spit the blood on to others that potentially create innocent victims is a matter that the court does take seriously.”

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