Woman convicted of spitting in faces of emergency workers at Sussex hospital

A woman has been convicted of spitting in the faces of emergency workers while claiming to have coronavirus at a Sussex hospital.
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Sussex Police said Sarah Clarkson-Rose, of New Barn Lane, Ridgewood, Uckfield, pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers and an A&E nurse at Eastbourne District General Hospital, when she appeared at a virtual hearing in custody at Brighton Magistrates Court on Wednesday (May 13).

The 42-year-old, who is unemployed, was remanded in custody for sentencing next month, the force said.

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A police spokesman said: “District Judge Amanda Kelly remanded her in custody to Lewes Crown Court for sentencing on June 10, as she felt the offence merited a longer period in custody than 12 months.”

Sarah Clarkson-Rose. Picture: Sussex PoliceSarah Clarkson-Rose. Picture: Sussex Police
Sarah Clarkson-Rose. Picture: Sussex Police

The attack on one of the PCs took place after she had been arrested on May 11, on suspicion of criminal damage to furniture at the address after a domestic incident, police said.

“Overnight she claimed to be feeling unwell in her police cell but on being taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital spat repeatedly in the faces of both the nurse who was trying to help her and another PC who was escorting her and was also trying to help,” said the police spokesman.

They continued: “All three emergency workers were unhurt, continued on duty, and have shown no symptoms of coronavirus. They will however be tested for the virus.

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“It turned out that the woman needed no medical treatment and she was returned to police custody.”

Deputy Chief Constable Jo Shiner added: “This was an appalling series of deliberate attacks on three public servants doing their duty to help keep the public safe.

“We are glad that the court took these offences seriously, because of the flagrant disregard with which this woman treated three workers on the front line in protecting the community at this crucial time.”

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