A man has been jailed after assaulting a female police officer and threatening to spit at her and her colleagues.

At around 3.30pm on Friday, police were called to an incident at a property on Hilltop Court in Worsley.

Officers attended and Shaun Sleigh, 31, of Hilltop Court, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

During his arrest, Sleigh assaulted a female officer, and claimed he had Covid-19.

He then threatened to spit at the officer and her colleagues.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Sleigh was further arrested on suspicion of assault of an emergency worker, placed in a spit guard and taken into police custody for questioning."

He was later charged with three counts of assault of an emergency worker.

Pleading guilty to the offences at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Saturday, he was sentenced to 36 weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay compensation.

Chief Inspector Roger Pegram, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “Sleigh’s behaviour towards these officers was absolutely disgraceful, especially considering the country’s ongoing response to Covid-19.

“My officers were just doing their job – to keep Greater Manchester safe to the best of their abilities.

"No public servant should ever be faced with violence, especially not when they are trying to protect communities.

“I hope this result acts as a warning that neither GMP nor the justice system will tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"Anyone found guilty could receive a custodial sentence.”