Littlehampton woman jailed for ‘Covid-19 coughing attack’

Lisa Scopes, 36, of West Way, Wick, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, August 19, having admitted threatening behaviour and assaulting the two PCs called to her address on March 29, police said.

The officers responded to reports of a violent dispute and on arrival were confronted by Scopes, who police said had been drinking. She was abusive, threatening and kept coughing at one of the officers.

She was then arrested and on the way to police custody coughed in the faces of both officers and blew air out of her nose, saying she hoped they would get the virus, police said.

Scopes had been self-isolating and told the officers she had a temperature, but it was not then confirmed she had a virus. The two men tested negative for Covid-19.

Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: “Being assaulted is not part of our officers’ jobs and will not be tolerated. In this case the officers were simply trying to help her in a volatile situation and also to ensure that several children were kept safe. Scopes’ actions in threatening the officers and attempting to infect them were despicable and it is good to note that the court has clearly reflected that view.”