Man, 23, jailed for nine months for spitting on police officer

Jersey Magistrates Court

Jersey's Magistrate's Court has jailed Jay Wallace for assaulting a police officer by spitting in their face.

The 23-year-old from Scotland has also been given a £1,000 fine, and another three months imprisonment for a separate offence.

Chief of Police Robin Smith attended the court appearance on 6 January 2025.

Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Smith said:

”The court heard today that Wallace has the most appalling criminal history, including previous assaults on police in Jersey and in another jurisdiction.

"Today’s sentence and the Assistant Magistrate’s comments in court have sent the strongest deterrent yet, that assaults on emergency service workers will not be tolerated.

"Wallace racially abused one officer and spat in another officer’s face. It has been particularly distressing for the officers, and I’m proud of her professionalism and dedication."

States of Jersey Police HQ

In a different case, police released an appeal on 20 December 2024 after another officer was spat on.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with assault and will appear in Youth Court in January.

States of Jersey Police report spitting offences against officers have increased, with 18 recorded in 2024 alone.

This is the highest number of assaults of this kind in five years and a 100% increase since 2022.

The force says officers who are spat on have to undergo a health assessment in A&E for infectious diseases, with follow-up appointments.

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