Post by fredg on Apr 24, 2020 19:15:11 GMT
A 60-year-old man has been jailed after coughing in a shopper's face during a row amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Gary Saunders, of Osborne Road, Southsea, Hampshire, was arrested after the incident in the Cornucopia store near his home on April 14.
He was sentenced to four years in prison at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to common assault.
A Hampshire police spokesman said: "The 60-year-old entered the store, initially queueing two metres behind his victim, who was being served at the till.
"Saunders then stepped closer, with the man in front of him asking him to move back again.
"Saunders became abusive towards the man, threatening him before deliberately aiming an exaggerated cough at his face."
Pc Mark Pilsworth said: "Coughing in anyone's face is disgusting, but to weaponise coughing at a time like this is thoroughly despicable and will not be tolerated.
"Saunders' actions caused unnecessary concern for his victim, when he had simply been asked to ensure he was not getting too close.
"I hope this sentence serves as a warning to everyone that we will take action if you choose to behave in this manner."
Gary Saunders, of Osborne Road, Southsea, Hampshire, was arrested after the incident in the Cornucopia store near his home on April 14.
He was sentenced to four years in prison at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to common assault.
A Hampshire police spokesman said: "The 60-year-old entered the store, initially queueing two metres behind his victim, who was being served at the till.
"Saunders then stepped closer, with the man in front of him asking him to move back again.
"Saunders became abusive towards the man, threatening him before deliberately aiming an exaggerated cough at his face."
Pc Mark Pilsworth said: "Coughing in anyone's face is disgusting, but to weaponise coughing at a time like this is thoroughly despicable and will not be tolerated.
"Saunders' actions caused unnecessary concern for his victim, when he had simply been asked to ensure he was not getting too close.
"I hope this sentence serves as a warning to everyone that we will take action if you choose to behave in this manner."
not here it isn't