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New Ash Green man convicted after spitting at parking warden in Gravesend while claiming he had Covid-19

A man who spat at a parking warden and claimed he had Covid-19 has admitted common assault and been placed under curfew.

Graham Swinbourne was involved in a war of words with a Gravesham enforcement officer while collecting a takeaway from Gravesend town centre last year.

Bodycam footage shows man spitting at parking warden in Gravesend

The 39-year-old, of Manor Forstal, New Ash Green, shouted expletives at the council worker while trying to prevent him from ticketing his car.

He then spat at the warden before adding "listen, I have Corona!".

Body-worn camera footage of the incident on July 23 was played to Medway Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

Swinbourne admitted the offence during the hearing.

He was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to observe a 7pm-7am curfew for three months.

Graham Swinbourne, of New Ash Green, admitted common assault after spitting at a traffic warden
Graham Swinbourne, of New Ash Green, admitted common assault after spitting at a traffic warden

The New Ash Green resident was also ordered to pay the victim £100 compensation, a victim surcharge of £95 and costs of £85.

Cllr John Burden, leader of Gravesham council, said: “This was a disgusting incident and I am glad that the offender has been brought to justice.

“Our civil enforcement officers do not make the rules, they simply ensure they are being followed.

"Parking restrictions are in place for very good reasons; to keep traffic flowing and ensure everyone is safe to go about their business whether they are driving or on foot.

“The only person at fault here was Swinbourne who was parked illegally.

“Our officers do not deserve any level of abuse for simply doing their job. Follow the rules, and they won't trouble you.

“All of our enforcement officers are equipped with body worn cameras and we will not hesitate to take the evidence recorded on them all the way to court when abuse such as this occurs."

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