Auckland man could face 14 years' jail for allegedly spitting on police while claiming to have COVID-19
Three police officers are now in isolation after allegedly being spat on while arresting the 30-year-old man in Silverdale. Police were called to the address after reports of a family harm incident late on Monday night - the man was arrested over a different matter. When officers tried to put the man in the car, he lashed out and began trying to hit and kick them while claiming he had tested positive for coronavirus. He is then alleged to have spat at the three police officers multiple times. All three officers have been isolated and two police cars are being decontaminated, a police spokesperson told. The alleged offender is being tested for the virus. If his test returns positive and he has infected the officers, he could face serious jail time. The penalty for knowingly infecting someone with disease is 14 years imprisonment. Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā District Commander, said the incident was "appalling". "We take this matter extremely seriously and we will not tolerate anyone who thinks it's acceptable to spit at our staff," she said.
The man has been charged with offences including assaults with intent to injure and resisting police, and was scheduled to appear in the Waitakere District Court on Tuesday.
=======================================================
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
85.6% Yes
-
13.2% No
-
1.2% Other - I'll share below
Need Event Medical Cover?
MRI provides modern medical solutions for a wide range of events and industries. From local sporting or community events - to large concerts and major festivals - we can provide tailored and professional medical cover that suits your needs.
Our experienced team of clinicians and operations managers can provide a complete risk assessment of your event and advise you on the most suitable medical expertise to have on site.
Get in touch with the team today at info@mri.nz