A man has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, for spitting at a British Transport Police PCSO.

Petru Alexuc, aged 38, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a designated / accredited person.

The incident happened on Thursday 29 December 2016 at London Victoria station, when Alexuc initiated a prolonged attack on the PCSO, continually spitting in his face and making obscene gestures.

The PCSO had to attend hospital for blood tests and vaccinations as a result of the attack.

Alexuc was arrested and pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 17 March.

He was sentenced on 23 March at the same court and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £215 court costs.

ACC Robin Smith said: ““Spitting is a disgusting form of assault which is not only revolting but is also known to spread infection. No one should be spat at while they are doing their job and as this conviction demonstrates, we will relentlessly pursue offenders through the courts and enforce available sanctions when our officers are spat at.”