Steven Robert McNamara, 50, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after admitting a charge of assault.
The court heard that on November 2, a 19-year-old nursing student was walking to the hospital for her placement.
McNamara unexpectedly spat in the woman’s face as he passed her on the street.
He was later identified on CCTV as the perpetrator.
In explanation, McNamara said he thought the woman was filming him because of the way she was holding her cellphone.
The court heard the victim was "shocked and disgusted" by the incident and felt "utterly humiliated".
She described the stressful aftermath, which included having blood tests.
Judge David Robinson denounced the behaviour.
"Spitting is vile, it is low, it is disgusting," he said.
Judge Robinson sentenced the defendant to 75 hours’ community work and ordered him to pay $150 emotional harm reparation to the victim.
