Prison for man with Hepatitis C who spat at Police

Friday 04 May 2018

A man has been jailed after spitting at two police officers knowing he was infected with Hepatitis.

Calvin Goddard, 31, was sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison for that and two other offences, with the judge commenting in sentencing that he had a duty to protect the public.

In the Magistrates Court yesterday the Prosecutor explained how on 21 December 2017 Goddard turned up at a relative's house in St Martins in an angry and agitated state. He went on to shout at them, venting his frustrations about another man who he was making threats about. During the incident Goddard said he had a knife, which his relatives asked him to relinquish, which he did, throwing to the floor a kitchen knife which had been tightly wrapped in clingfilm.

Goddard left the premises, but was later arrested after the relatives reported the incident.

On 29 December 2017 Goddard was being transported to court by two police officers and whilst in the back of the vehicle on the journey he issued a barrage of abuse at the two officers and was spitting at the screen separating the compartments.

The officers were concerned for their safety and it was noted that they were aware of his Hepatitis C status and at the time did not have the correct headwear to protect them from spitting.

As they guided Goddard into the custody cell at the court he spat at the officers, with one officer having spit land on his vest and the other on his arm.

In summing up; Advocate Perry stated that Goddard had numerous previous convictions with 64 on his record from 1998 to September 2017.

However, in his defence the Magistrate heard that Goddard wanted to apologise to the police officers for his actions as he knew he had caused them anguish and anxiety. It was agreed that there would need to be a balance between punishing Goddard and safeguarding the public. His advocate stated that Goddard needed purpose and structure in his life and wanted a job, noting he was a qualified tree surgeon.

In sentencing Judge McKerrell said: "Whilst I believe your desire to apologise is genuine and your desire to change what I grapple with is how likely it is you will. I have a duty to protect the public. A probation is not appropriate because of the risk you pose."

Judge McKerrell continued: "You have a terrible record for drugs and violence. You are a danger to the public and I need to take account of this when sentencing you today.

"So far as the assault, you didn't spit in the officers faces, but you did spit and given that they knew about your Hep C status that would have caused them serious concern. Spitting amounts to an assault."

Goddard was given three months in prison for the breach of the peace and 15 months for each assault to run concurrently but consecutively to the breach. This amounted to a total of 18 months to run from 28 December 2017, which is the date he was first taken into custody.