April 25, 2022 9.00 pm This story is over 23 months old

Man who spat in police officer’s face after street brawl avoids jail

A second man also appeared in court

A man who spat in the face of a police officer trying to break up a violent brawl has been sentenced, but avoided any jail time.

Harrison Price, 22, was arrested in Carter Gate in Newark after Nottinghamshire Police were called to a fight involving a group of men in the early hours of Saturday, August 1, 2020.

After struggling with officers, Price was caught on CCTV as he turned and spat at one of them on the cheek.

Price, of Milll Green in Newark, admitted and apologised for his actions during a police interview. He was one of a group of man detained after the melee.

The 22-year-old appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, April 22, 2022, after pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker.

He was given an 18-month community order and instructed to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

David Cooper, 21, of Main Street in Balderton, also appeared in court after admitting to affray.

Cooper was 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 out 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.”