‘Tougher sentences needed for those who weaponise Covid-19’

11 January 2021

The chair of Humberside Police Federation has called for tougher sentences for thugs who weaponise Covid-19 to attack emergency services workers.

Pete Musgrave says a rise in attacks on emergency staff, which has been driven by suspects coughing and spitting on them, is “shocking”.

His comments come as new figures released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed a 10 per cent rise in assaults on emergency services personnel during November compared to the same period in 2019.

The NPCC said: “It is thought the rise may be driven by increases in common assaults on police constables, including suspects spitting on officers while claiming to be infected with Covid-19.”

Pete said: “It’s absolutely shocking to see police officers and our friends and colleagues in the emergency services being attacked by offenders who are seeking to weaponise this pandemic.

“They’re only human, and they’re doing a fantastic job in protecting and supporting the public. I can’t believe offenders would seek to endanger the health of police officers and other emergency workers and that of their loved ones. It’s disgusting. 

“We need the courts to pass the toughest possible sentences for anyone convicted of such attacks, because we need to send out the message that this is not acceptable.”

Pete’s comments have been backed by John Apter, the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

He said: “I’m disgusted to see this appalling increase as Covid-19 continues to spread. These figures will include many police officers being spat at and coughed at by vile individuals who weaponise the virus, which threatens their health and that of their families. 

“It’s disgustingly offensive that 999 workers, who are working so hard to protect the public throughout this crisis, are being attacked and assaulted in this way. People need to remember that these emergency workers are mums and dads, and sons and daughters who have families to go home to at the end of a shift.

“Those who commit these despicable offences must be harshly dealt with by the courts and face the full force of the law.”

He said PFEW will continue to seek an increase in sentences for those who assault officers through its ‘Protect The Protectors’ campaign.

“It is vital to ensure courts issue tougher sentences to those who assault emergency service workers. If you assault a police officer you should expect to spend time in prison, no ifs, no buts,” John added.

 Other findings in the NPCC figures include:

• Serious violent crime, including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and personal robbery reduced by 20 per cent

• Shoplifting was down 32 per cent

• Vehicle crime fell by 22 per cent

• Residential burglary was down by 23 per cent

• In total, 32,329 fixed penalty notices have been recorded as having been issued in England and Wales under Coronavirus Regulations between Friday 27 March and Monday 21 December 2020.