A man who tried to jump the queue at Poundland has been jailed after he coughed and spat at shoppers, staff and police.
Darren Swain's behaviour was described as 'disgusting and dangerous' by prosecutors as he was sentenced to six months in prison.
The incident happened at the Castleford store where staff were supervising the queue and only allowing a restricted number of customers into the store at any one time, in line with social distancing requirements.
Swain, 57, of Castleford, attempted to jump the queue - and when stopped by staff, became aggressive and abusive and 'coughed theatrically' into the air close to staff and members of the public.
He then gargled and spat in the direction of a female staff member, and laughed. When police officers arrived at the scene, he spat at them too.
He was jailed for six months at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Thursday April 16.
Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said: “Swain’s behaviour was both disgusting and dangerous. His actions potentially endangered not only members of the public who were patiently waiting their turn in the queue, but also the staff at Poundland, and the police officers who attended; all of whom were attempting to carry out their duties in challenging circumstances.
“Swain has now been sentenced to six months in prison. I hope this will act as a stern deterrent to anyone who is contemplating behaving in such a socially irresponsible manner.”
