Dagenham man admits to claiming he had coronavirus and coughing at police

Gainsborough Road, where the incident allegedly happened (credit: Google Maps)

A man from Dagenham has admitted to coughing at police and claiming he had coronavirus.

Darren Rafferty, 45, of Bentry Close, was being arrested yesterday afternoon when it happened.

Police had been called to Gainsborough Road at around 1.30pm to reports of an assault.

A woman was injured during the incident and taken to hospital for treatment. A knife was also recovered.

Appearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today, Rafferty pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and three counts of assault on an emergency worker.

He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 1 April.

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