Banburyshire man on assault charge for 'coronavirus cough' at police

A Banburyshire man who allegedly coughed at a police officer and claimed he had coronavirus has been charged with assault.
By Matt Elofson
Published 29th Mar 2020, 10:29 BST
Updated 30th Mar 2020, 09:12 BST
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A 27-year-old from the village of Mollington near Banbury has been charged with assault on an emergency worker.

He will be remanded in custody and appear in court on Monday.

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The incident started after Thames Valley Police Cherwell officers responded to a reports of a wanted male from Banbury and subsequently located and arrested him.

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The man wanted by police coughed in an officer's face and claimed to be suffering from Covid-19 (coronavirus).

TVP Cherwell said the following on Facebook: "Actions like this will not be tolerated and we thank the CPS for their support and charge in this matter."

Thames Valley Police Cherwell had just issued a warning message on social media after getting reports of incidents within the area where people have deliberately coughed or spat at others while claiming to have Covid-19.

Police said any such incident reported will be fully investigated and the full support of the Crown Prosecution Service will be sought for the maximum appropriate sentence.