IT IS appalling that members of the public have been reported as spitting and coughing on police officers.<\/p>\n
Disgusting incidents have occurred across the country \u2013 which has led the Crown Prosecution Service to warn perpetrators that these assaults will be punished in the courts.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Federation Chairman Steve Kent said: \u201cI would say it surprises me, but it doesn\u2019t. I\u2019ve been spat at by members of the public before who have had suspected hepatitis. This is no different; it\u2019s just an unfortunate reflection of the members of society that we have to deal with.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are frontline, and us and NHS staff having to face that kind of thing is absolutely appalling. I\u2019ve seen in other countries that it\u2019s been treated as an aggravated factor in any sentencing.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, if anyone\u2019s sat in front of a judge or a magistrate having done that to a police officer or an NHS staff member then they need to have the book thrown at them, because it\u2019s absolutely disgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve said that legislation should be in place to protect frontline workers from people who are using the coronavirus \u201cas a weapon\u201d. He added: \u201cIt\u2019s absolutely horrendous that people are weaponising this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One man has admitted three counts of assaulting an emergency worker after claiming to have coronavirus and directing coughs at Metropolitan Police officers who were arresting him for another offence.<\/p>\n
And another has been jailed after threatening to spit at officers in Blackburn who were questioning him about why he was flouting Government rules on social distancing.<\/p>\n
PFEW Chairman John Apter has said: \u201cWe need urgent legislation introduced to recognise this behaviour and deal with it. A disgusting and dangerous act. Nobody should have to put up with this, significant deterrent needed now.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said had approached the Home Secretary Priti Patel about the issue.<\/p>\n