A man has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for spitting at a police officer in London.

Christopher Agombar, aged 42, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of racially / religiously aggravated harassment, one count of drunk and disorderly behaviour, one count of assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty and one count of breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO).

Agombar entered Pimlico station in London on 7 March, which his CBO prohibited him from doing, and was drunk and disorderly. When approached by a BTP officer, Agombar spat at the officer.

He was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 9 March to six weeks in prison and was ordered to pay fines and court costs totalling £295.

ACC Robin Smith said: “Spitting is a disgusting form of assault which can have long-lasting effects on the victim. It is not only revolting but is also known to spread infection.

“I hope Agombar reflects on his behaviour and thinks about the impact his actions had on the officer he decided to spit at while he was carrying out his duty.

“Spitting must stop, and as this conviction demonstrates, we will enforce all available sanctions when our officers or anyone else is assaulted in this manner.”