Man caught on video spitting at parking warden and saying ‘I have corona’

‘“The only person at fault here was Swinbourne, who was parked illegally,’ says council leader

Kate Ng
Wednesday 17 February 2021 17:30 GMT
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Man caught on camera spitting at parking warden and saying 'I have corona'

A council in Kent has released “disgusting” footage of a man swearing and spitting at a parking warden and telling him “I have corona”.

Gravesham Borough Council condemned the incident and the man, who was later identified as Graham Swinbourne, was prosecuted for assault.

In the video, which was filmed by the parking attendant’s bodycam, Swinbourne, 39, is seen swearing at the official in Gravesend, Kent.

After a brief exchange, Swinbourne walks away before turning back to the warden and saying: “Listen, I have corona.”

He then appears to spit at the warden, who says he is calling the police.

Swinbourne, of Manor Forstal, New Ash Green, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court earlier this month where he admitted common assault.

He was given a 12-month community order, and ordered to observe a 7pm-7am curfew for three months, the council said on Wednesday.

He was also ordered to pay the victim £100 compensation, a victim surcharge of £95 and costs of £85.

Council leader John Burden said: “This was a disgusting incident and I am glad that the offender has been brought to justice.

“Our civil enforcement officers do not make the rules, they simply ensure they are being followed.

“Parking restrictions are in place for very good reasons – to keep traffic flowing and ensure everyone is safe to go about their business, whether they are driving or on foot.

“The only person at fault here was Swinbourne, who was parked illegally.

“Our officers do not deserve any level of abuse for simply doing their job. Follow the rules, and they won’t trouble you.

“All of our CEOs are equipped with body-worn cameras and we will not hesitate to take the evidence recorded on them all the way to court when abuse such as this occurs.”

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