Man charged after allegedly coughing at walker

An Alexandra man who allegedly coughed at a woman while out walking in the town has been arrested for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.

Marshall James Penny (21), driller, was remanded on bail until June 25 when he appeared before Judge John Strettell by video link in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.

A police statement said the incident occurred on the Alexandra Bridge last Thursday.

Penny was arrested and charged with obstruction of a medical officer by not performing social distancing and purposely coughing on a member of the public.

The charge, brought under the Health Act, carries a maximum penalty of six months’ prison and a $4000 fine.

He must obey a curfew until his next appearance, which will be in the Alexandra District Court.

A police statement said that while the past few weeks had been ‘‘a challenging time’’, such behaviour would not be tolerated.

‘‘If a small number of people persist in deliberately flouting the restrictions, police will have the discretion to warn, or if necessary, to arrest.’’

guy.williams@odt.co.nz

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