AN Ealing man has been sentenced to 10 weeks imprisonment after he spat on a police officer while claiming he had COVID-19.

Thomas McCarthy, 31, of Allenby Road, Southall was convicted at Westminster Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to criminal damage and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

On Monday, February 8, he was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison.

The court heard that officers attended McCarthy's address on Friday, February 5, where there was a report of criminal damage.

He was arrested by officers and was taken to hospital as he complained of a leg injury.

After being treated by medics, he was discharged and escorted by officers to a police van.

While in the caged area of the van, he spat at one of the officers and stated while laughing that he had COVID-19.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage.

Chief Inspector Paul O'Herlihy, West Area Emergency Response Policing lead said: "This was a deliberate attack on a police officer, whilst he was carrying out his duties.

"This sentence sends out a clear message, to those who abuse or assault emergency service workers."