A TEENAGER who spat in the face of a Garda after drinking almost 20 bottles of beer and then claimed "as a big joke" that he had coronavirus has avoided a prison sentence. "This was a harrowing and upsetting time for the garda (involved). It was confirmed that Olden did not have Covid-19 when he spat at the garda. However, the garda involved had described the incident as "a one off" and said that it was not in keeping with the teen's normal behaviour. Sgt Joyce said that while the garda involved was "annoyed and upset", he believed it was a moment of madness fuelled by alcohol.

Source: Irish Independent June 24, 2020 15:00 UTC