Doncaster thug spat at and racially insulted police officer after stealing from homeless hostel

Sheffield Crown Court heard on June 8 how Mark Morris, aged 50, of Wharf Road, Doncaster, had originally burgled a flat at a homeless hostel in Doncaster before he was arrested and racially insulted and assaulted a police officer by spitting.

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Judge Sarah Wright told Morris: “Those who commit crimes during a period of national emergency must expect a more serious view of their conduct than during any other period.”

She added: “You deliberately spat at an officer, in effect, threatening to infect him with the COVID-19 virus and expressing a wish to do so.”

Prosecuting barrister Robert Sandford said Morris had initially burgled the flat at homeless hostel Wharf House, on Wharf Road, Doncaster, before the victim returned to find his television and other items had been stolen.

CCTV was consulted, according to Mr Sandford, and it became apparent the defendant had gone into the flat and stolen a television and other items which were later found.

Following the defendant’s arrest, Morris complained of having stomach cramps and was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, according to Mr Sandford, but he became abusive to an officer, swearing and shouting at him.

Mr Sandford said Morris also spat at the officer, flicked spital towards him and threw a yoghurt at him and after the defendant was handcuffed he launched into a foul-mouthed tirade of racially abusive insults and said he wanted him to die.

Morris, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to committing a burglary and to a racially-aggravated assault after the incident in May.

Lauren Fisher, defending, said Morris suffers with mental health issues and pancreatitis and his offending began with a deterioration of his mental health and he became homeless.

Judge Sarah Wright told Morris: “Police officers are at risk. It is not an easy task in ordinary circumstances. The difficulty is accentuated in the current crisis.”

She sentenced Morris to 24-months of custody.