Search for man who 'deliberately' coughed on a supermarket worker
A man who allegedly deliberately coughed on a supermarket employee in the NSW Hunter region is being sought by police.
A 35-year-old woman alleges as she was working in a supermarket at Raymond Terrace at about 7.35pm on Tuesday when she was approached by a man and a woman.
The pair approached her at the register and a verbal altercation occurred, police said.
It’s alleged the man then coughed on the worker deliberately.
Police have released images of a man who might be able to help with their enquiries.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170-180cm tall, with a shaved head, and goatee-style facial hair. At the time, he was wearing cream shorts and black thongs.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said this “type of dangerous behaviour” has to stop “immediately”.
“It’s potentially putting the lives of workers and their families at risk,” Mr Elliott said.
“This isn’t a time to practice poor hygiene habits.
“For a disgusting act like this, you could find yourself charged with common assault and jailed for up to two years.”
On Wednesday, NSW Police were granted new powers to hand on the spot fines of up to $1000 to people who didn’t follow ministerial orders regarding social distancing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide any information to investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online.
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