Jail for man who told Derbyshire officers he had Covid-19 – then coughed at them

A man who claimed to have Covid-19 has been jailed after he coughed at Derbyshire police officers.
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At around 3.30pm last Thursday, police were called to a canal path in Swarkestone, South Derbyshire, following reports from members of the public that a man was being abusive and threatening.

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When the officers arrived, they found a man carrying a piece of wood and waving it above his head in a threatening manner.

Christopher McKendrick.Christopher McKendrick.
Christopher McKendrick.

He was arrested and the piece of wood was taken off him.

While the officers spoke to the man and asked if he was or had been suffering from the virus, he replied: “I’ve already had it, I’ve got over it and now I am a super-spreader so…” He then coughed in the direction of the three officers.

Christopher McKendrick, 58, from Swarkestone, was arrested and charged with offences including common assault.

McKendrick appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court last Friday where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

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He was jailed for a total of 16 weeks and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.

Inspector Chris Thornhill, who is in charge of policing in South Derbyshire, said: “I am pleased that the courts have taken swift and decisive action in this case.

“My officers are on the frontline and are putting themselves at risk to protect others.

“They spoke to the arrested man to get information that would help protect them and others and did not deserve the response they got from him.”