A man spat in the face of a police officer who was trying to break up a violent brawl in Nottinghamshire. Harrison Price, 22, was arrested in Carter Gate, Newark, after police were called to a fight involving a group of men in the early hours of August 1, 2020.
After struggling with officers, Price was caught on CCTV as he spat at one of them on the cheek. Price, who admitted and apologised for his actions during a police interview, was one of a group of men detained after the melee.
He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, April 22, after pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker. Price, of Mill Green, Newark, was given an 18-month community order and instructed to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
Read more: Clifton kidnap arrest as man 'bundled into boot of car'
David Cooper, 21, of Main Street, Balderton, was also in court after admitting to affray. He had been caught on CCTV brawling on the floor with one man before throwing punches at two others.
He was also handed an 18-month community order and ordered to carry our 80 hours of unpaid work. PC Michael Weston, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a disgraceful episode that would have caused considerable alarm and distress to anyone who witnessed it.
“This type of casual thuggery is never acceptable and will always be dealt with robustly by Nottinghamshire Police – as will any kind of assault on our officers.
“It is worth remembering that this incident took place in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, where people were understandably concerned about spreading the virus.
“Spitting in somebody’s face is disgraceful at any time, but doing it at that time was simply inexcusable.
“I am pleased these two men accepted what they did and that they have now been dealt with by the courts. I hope they learn from what has happened and resolve to never behave in this way again.”
