By Doncaster man jailed after assaulting police officer
A Doncaster man who claimed he had Covid-19 has been jailed for assault, after intentionally breathing heavily in the face of a police officer who had arrested him for a prior offence.
It was recently announced that such actions against key and front line workers would now be considered a form of assault.
Russell Fletcher, 26, was arrested in Oldfield Road, Thorne, following reports he was under the influence of alcohol and causing a public disturbance in the street.
As he was being transported to custody, he claimed he was suffering from Covid-19 and breathed heavily in the face of the arresting officer.
The incident occurred just after midnight on Sunday the 5th of April.
Russel Fletcher, of Finkle Street, Stainforth, has been charged with common assault of an emergency worker, attempted criminal damage to property, and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
The officer is unharmed.
Fletcher appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court this Monday, the 6th of April and was given a 12-week custodial sentence and fined £250.
Chief Inspector for South Yorkshire Police, Doncaster Sharon Hancock of said:
“Over the last weeks, our officers have made incredible personal sacrifices to ensure they can continue to protect the public they serve. The support they have received from the majority of the public has been much appreciated.
“My message to those who think that they can use this current crisis to intimidate my officers is this – your behaviour will not be tolerated and you will feel the full force of the law. Now is a time for us all to work together, stay at home and protect all of our key workers.”
Fletcher is the fourth person to be imprisoned following a Covid-19 related assault on a police officer.
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