'I have corona': Man's 'disgusting' act to parking inspector after getting ticket
Disturbing video has been released of the moment a man spits at a parking inspector after telling him he has coronavirus.
Graham Swinbourne, 39, was found guilty of assault in court this week for his involvement in the incident in the English county of Kent, the Press Association reported.
In body camera footage shared by Gravesham Borough Council, Swinbourne can be seen abusing the inspector as he appears to process a parking ticket for Swinbourne's illegally parked vehicle.
Swearing at the inspector, Swinbourne calls him a jobsworth and attempts to block his car's registration.
The inspector tells Swinbourne to leave and eat his food at a nearby restaurant, prompting him to turn around.
"Listen, I have corona," Swinbourne says before spitting at the parking attendant.
"People are watching you," the inspector says.
He can then be heard calling for police assistance as Swinbourne enters the restaurant on the other side of the road.
Council leader John Burden described the incident as "disgusting".
“Our officers do not deserve any level of abuse for simply doing their job. Follow the rules, and they won‘t trouble you," he told the Press Association.
Swinbourne was given 12-month community order and ordered to observe a 7pm to 7am curfew for three months.
He was also ordered to pay the £100 (AU$179) in compensation to the victim, a victim surcharge of £95 (AU$170) and costs of £85 (AU$152).
During the coronavirus pandemic, fines and punishments in Australia were ramped up for coughing and spitting on people.
In April last year, NSW introduced a $5000 on-the-spot-fine for those found guilty of what NSW Health called an "abhorrent act" towards workers.
In March last year, two young women were racially abused and spat on in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville.
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