A man has appeared in court accused of spitting at police while claiming he was suffering from coronavirus.
Jamie Seaman was being arrested for allegedly damaging his neighbour's window by throwing eggs when he is suspected of carrying out the disgusting behaviour.
The 28-year-old appeared in custody at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal damage and one of assaulting an emergency worker.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said Seamen was suspected of damaging his neighbour's window and TV, during two separate incidents, on April 20.
She said: "The criminal damage allegations involve a neighbour in the downstairs flat.
"The defendant is said to have thrown eggs at first then a window is damaged. He was on bail for that when he allegedly goes back and causes further damage."
When the police were called on the second occasion, Seaman, of Wallsend Road, North Shields, was arrested.
Ms Beck added: "It's then alleged he has also spat at an officer and said he had coronavirus."
John Kirkham, defending, said: "Mr Seaman completely denies behaving like that."
A trial date was set for May 11 back at a magistrates' court and, in the meantime, Seaman was remanded in custody.
District Judge Sarah Griffiths told him: "The assault on the police officer is a particularly unpleasant allegation because you're said to have spat at the officer and said you had coronavirus and that, if proved, is a serious offence."
