At Hull Crown Court on 18th January, Steven Garth represented Darren Walker, a 48 year old unemployed man. Mr Walker had been sent to the Crown Court for sentence in relation to three offences: Common Assault; Possess Bladed Article In A Public Place and simple Possession of cannabis.
On 5th November 2020, Mr.Walker had tried to gain entry to the St Stephens shopping centre in Hull whilst pushing his bicycle. This brought him into conflict with one of the centre’s security guards.In a heated argument, Mr. Walker spat at the security guard and shouted “I hope you catch covid!”.
His Honour Judge Mark Bury sentencing said but for the spitting and the words shouted by Mr.Walker, he would not have locked him up, but, in today’s environment, these facts meant that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary. A total sentence of 6 months imprisonment was imposed.