Those who spit at keyworkers should do work for community, says Ashfield MP

An Ashfield MP who is “disgusted” at reports of people spitting or assaulting NHS and key workers has called for offenders to pay back communities by doing unpaid work in agriculture or industries struggling to recruit.
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Ashfield and Eastwood MP Lee Anderson has written to the Minister of State for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse urging him to consider that offenders who commit “unforgivable” offences against those on the frontline of Covid-19 should do unpaid work for the community after their sentences.

In his letter Mr Anderson said: “Many of these individuals have rightly been given custodial sentences, however upon release I believe that effective recourse here would be for these offenders to directly contribute to the community following release via alternative sentencing, such as seasonal agricultural work.

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“There is an opportunity for these individuals to directly give back to the community and work voluntarily in the industries looking for staff but unable to recruit enough numbers.”

Lee AndersonLee Anderson
Lee Anderson

His comments came after Nottinghamshire Police reported more than 60 incidents where key workers had been coughed on or spat on and a video was launched by frontline keyworkers asking they be treated “with respect.”

The police had investigated 61 incidents of key workers being coughed on or spat between Friday 20 - Monday 27 April. More than 33 people were charged in connection with assaults and a number have been convicted.

They include Paul Leivers, 48, of Tideswell Court, Mansfield, sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to spitting on two Nottinghamshire Police custody officers. The case was the first of its kind in Nottinghamshire and saw Leivers receive the highest possible sentence for the offence of assaulting an emergency worker.

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Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “I find it abhorrent that anyone would ever think to spit or cough at an emergency worker and that those putting the health and wellbeing of key workers at risk could expect “the harshest possible treatment.”

Mr Anderson’s letter reads:

“Dear Minister,

We have seen the country truly come together over the past five weeks, as communities support each other during these difficult times. However, I am sure you will be as disgusted as I am, to learn that there has been a spate of individuals being jailed for assault against NHS and other key workers, by spitting at them.

Spitting is an appalling offence, but to spit at those working on the frontline to keep services running in this country and nurse those sick and dying of this awful virus, is truly unforgivable.

Many of these individuals have rightly been given custodial sentences, however upon release I believe that effective recourse here would be for these offenders to directly contribute to the community following release via alternative sentencing, such as seasonal agricultural work.

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There is an opportunity for these individuals to directly give back to the community and work voluntarily in the industries looking for staff but unable to recruit enough numbers.

I do hope consideration is given to my thoughts, and that you will support me in wanting these offenders to use this lockdown period and beyond to contribute positively to society, following their release from prison.”