Man admits to assault after spitting at police officer and bus driver
A 23-year-old man who said he had coronavirus after spitting at a police officer has pleaded guilty to common assault.
William Cawley spat at a bus driver when he was told to enter through the correct door at Uxbridge bus station in west London at 5pm on Monday April 20, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police gave chase and he was detained in Cocks Yard, arrested on suspicion of common assault and taken into custody, where he spat at an officer and made threats of violence, including saying he had Covid-19.
He was further arrested on suspicion of common assault on an emergency worker.
Cawley, from Uxbridge, appeared at the town's Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault.
Detective Chief Inspector Fiona Martin, of Roads and Transport Policing, said: "Spitting at someone is a disgusting thing to do in normal circumstances but, at this uncertain time of Covid-19, it is offensive, reprehensible and dangerous.
"Key workers such as bus drivers are essential to keeping London moving and they are currently doing this under very difficult circumstances.
"They, alongside our officers who are all working hard as ever to keep London safe, do not come to work to be spat at.
"I hope the fact that Cawley has been remanded until sentencing shows that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with great severity at all times."
Cawley was remanded to appear at the same court for sentencing on Wednesday April 29.
Published: by Radio NewsHub