A man has pleaded guilty after an abusive encounter with pharmacy staff while he was trying to get a COVID-19 vaccination at Jesmond.
Craig Stewart Thompson, 54, will be sentenced on October 7 after he pleaded guilty in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday to affray and failing to comply with a directive to wear a face mask.
Thompson was arrested on Wednesday, five days after the incident at the Bluegum Road business.
Police said pharmacy staff initially refused entry to Thompson last Friday afternoon because he was not wearing a face mask - he soon returned wearing the appropriate covering and was allowed inside.
When staff tried to take his personal details ahead of administering the vaccine, Thompson became verbally aggressive and was asked to leave.
Police said he picked up a bag of plastic bottles and swung it at staff and customers on his way out.
He applied for bail in court on Thursday, but it was refused.
