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Coronavirus Coughing towards Key Workers Can lead to a Jail

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It has recently been announced that anyone using coronavirus to threaten emergency and essential workers faces serious criminal charges.

This intervention comes after reports in recent days of police and other key workers being deliberately coughed at by people claiming to have the disease.

Such behaviour is illegal and assaults specifically against emergency workers are punishable by up to 12 months in prison.

Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “Emergency workers are more essential than ever as society comes together to tackle the coronavirus pandemic The CPS stands behind emergency and essential workers and will not hesitate to prosecute anybody who threatens them as they go about their vital duties.”

Last week a man admitted to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker after claiming to have coronavirus and directing coughs at Metropolitan Police officers arresting him for another offence. He is currently awaiting sentence having been remanded into custody.

A second man was jailed for 26 weeks after threatening to spit at police who had asked him what he was doing out with two others after the Prime Minister’s announcement of stricter social distancing rules.

The Courts and Crown Prosecution Service are not taking these offences lightly. If charged, with an assault of this kind, the likely punishment is a custodial sentence. It is therefore important that you seek expert legal advice as a matter of urgency.

How we can help?

If you find yourself arrested for this offence, or any other offence Johnson Astills Solicitors can help throughout the course of the proceedings, from the Police Station through to a Court Case. We offer professional legal advice and have specialist solicitors who deal with allegations of Assaults and all other related offences.

Representation at the police station is free, and legal aid may be available for your case at the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. For offences which do not qualify for legal aid, we offer affordable fixed fees for appointments and representation.

Johnson Astills are experts in criminal law, and are able to assist 24 hours of the day whether at the police station or at Court. If you need advice or assistance from the criminal department at Johnson Astills , please contact us on 0116 255 4855.