A MAN from Hartlepool appeared in court via video link this afternoon accused of spitting at a police officer, among other offences.

John David Gray, 26, of Tower Street has been charged with criminal damage, actual bodily harm against an emergency worker, common assault against an emergency worker and burglary.

During the man’s arrest he is accused of assaulting a police officer by spitting to ‘infect the officer with coronavirus’.

Damage was then caused to a police van.

He has also been accused of burgling The Royal pub in Church Street Hartlepool.

The incidents allegedly occurred on Tuesday (March 31).

At the hearing Helen Cousins, the district judge, said: "You weren't able to appear in front of the court yesterday as there was worries you were covid-19 positive.

"I take the view that my powers of sentence are not sufficient."

The case was sent to Teesside Crown Court where Gray is due to appear on April 29.