Jailed: Man coughed at police while claiming to have coronavirus
A man who coughed at two police officers while claiming to have coronavirus and then smeared his cell with faeces has been jailed for eight months.
Oreighn Joel Marcus Quintyne, from Birmingham, was arrested after he tried to board a train from Manchester Victoria to Halifax on May 9.
The 21-year-old tried to force his way through the barrier – having no ticket – but was stopped by staff, who called British Transport Police.
Quintyne said he had coronavirus and would not leave the station – but became increasingly aggressive and threatened violence, before trying to climb the barrier.
He repeatedly coughed and sneezed at the two officers who tried to stop him, telling them he wanted them to catch the virus.
Quintyne eventually climbed over the barrier and onto the tram tracks but was later arrested and taken into custody.
The Birmingham man, while in his cell, defecated and smeared faeces around the cell – causing him to be additionally charged with criminal damage.
The 21-year-old, from St Thomas Road in the city, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and two counts of assault at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on May 11.
He was jailed for 32 weeks and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156.
Assistant chief constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "This was a despicable act at a time when our officers, along with other emergency services, are serving on the frontline to protect the public.
"Quintyne’s threats caused the officers involved great worry but despite this they continued to restrain him and bring him to safety when he jumped down onto the tram tracks.
"Day in, day out, our officers put the safety of others, who are at times attempting to harm them, before their own welfare.
"We will not tolerate behaviour like this or any abuse or violence towards our officers at this or any other time."
