Woman jailed for 16 months after “coronavirus” spit attack on shop worker

Nadine Garvie was challenged by the female worker as she tried to steal chocolate bars from the Spar store in Selkirk.

The 36-year-old asked the woman: “Have you heard about the coronavirus,” before spitting in her face.

Moments later, she spat in the shop assistant’s face again, saying: “Here is some coronavirus for you.”

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, told Selkirk Sheriff Court said both spit attacks landed on the face of the woman, who was wearing a mask.

Garvie, of Forthill Terrace, Jedburgh, pleaded guilty on indictment to charges of theft by shoplifting and assault.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client had taken a combination of drugs and had no recollection of the incident on June 20.

He added: “She never had Coronavirus, it was something that was just said.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said the incident was “completely unacceptable”.

He added: “Spitting twice is someone’s face aggravated by mentioning the coronavirus puts the issue of a custodial sentence in no doubt.”

Garvie’s 16-month prison sentence was back-dated to June 22 when she was first remanded in custody in connection with the matter.