Delivered
A Taranaki police officer was spat at by an assailant during an arrest, which the judge described as a “disgusting thing to do”. (File photo)
Spitting a police officer while trying to do his job was “disgusting to do,” says the judge charged with convicting the man responsible.
Judge Phillip Cooper said Jake William Macdonald’s actions were not only an “insult” to the officer’s dignity, but also posed health risks.
The comments were made during Macdonald’s sentencing in New Plymouth court on Wednesday, after he previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct.
Police were called to an address in New Plymouth on October 9 last year in response to a call for family damage.
READ MORE:
† Judge warns woman against spitting on police officer
† Man who spat on cops, claiming he jailed Covid-19
† Coronavirus: Spitting Attacks on Police Call for Harsh Punishments
† Neighbor accused of spitting attack, but tensions are a two-way street, lawyer says
Macdonald had broken some items in the kitchen and when officers tried to arrest him, he became aggressive and verbally abusive, according to the police fact sheet.
“You threatened to crush the officer and you were holding a glass bottle at the time,” Judge Cooper said.
He was sprayed with pepper spray outside the property, then ran into the house, where he was arrested and taken to a waiting police car.
When the officer tried to put on the suspect’s seat belt, Macdonald spat in his face, sending a large wad of saliva and mucus onto the victim’s shoulder.
ANDY JACKSON/Things
A man who spat at a police officer during an arrest has been sentenced to 80 hours of community service. (File photo)
The judge said that after Macdonald was released from New Plymouth Police Station later that morning, he verbally abused someone he encountered on the steps of the building.
When an officer came out and told the defendant to leave, he cursed the officer. The 26-year-old was remanded to custody where he continued to assault himself, the police summary said.
Defense attorney Nina Laird said Macdonald attended a restorative justice meeting with the officer he spat on, which had a “very positive outcome”.
She said Macdonald was very ashamed of his behavior, which was influenced by the amount of alcohol he had consumed.
Laird said he had since sought help for his alcohol use and found a job.
The judge credited Macdonald for his admission of guilt, self-referral for counseling and for meeting the victim.
The judge complimented the defendant and the officer involved for their participation.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity for Macdonald to acknowledge that his behavior was inappropriate and to hear from the victim about the difficulties police faced at work.
Judge Cooper ordered the defendant to do 80 hours of community work for the spitting up, and entered a conviction for disorderly conduct without further punishment.