Fake-COVID Thug Jailed After Police Stand-Off

A wanted driver, who waved a knife at police and threatened to spit on them – claiming he had COVID-19 – has been caged.

Jason Gritton, 45, of Central Hill, Upper Norwood brandished the blade when officers arrived at his home.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of affray and assaulting a police officer at the address on April 30.

Gritton was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

He was wanted for driving offences, but tried to hide from the officers when they turned up on his doorstep.

Gritton then began waving a large knife, while making threats to kill and began throwing objects, including a storage box.

Hethreatened to spit at them after claiming he had coronavirus and specialist negotiators were called to the scene.

Eventually Gritton was arrested and taken into custody.

Chief Inspector David Monk, from the Metropolitan Police's Road & Transport Policing Command,said:"This sentence shows that threats and assaults on emergency workers will not be tolerated and the maximum possible sentence will be sought through the court process."