Man jailed after spitting at police while claiming to have Covid-19 in Chichester

Monday, 18 May 2020 16:49

A man has been jailed for a year after admitting to a number of offences including spitting at police in Chichester while claiming to have Covid-19. Officers said it's after attending Eastgate Square at around 9.30am on April 9 to arrest Rory McGrail, of Longley Road, who was wanted by police for failing to comply with the community requirements of a suspended sentence. The 38-year-old spat at one of the officers during the arrest, claiming to be infected with Covid-19. McGrail also used racially abusive language towards another police officer. Police said McGrail admitted to the offences on May 12, and was given a total of 14 weeks imprisonment. He was also given a 34-week sentence for an arson offence committed at a hostel in the city in March 2019, and a further four months for shoplifting in the city earlier this year. Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: "This man deliberately sought to cause distress to our officers, working in the front line of emergency services to protect everyone in the local community. "It is good to know that despicable offending of this type is taken seriously by the courts." More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you found this story useful, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.