A WOMAN has appeared in court accused of spitting at a paramedic during the coronavirus pandemic.

Semedar Crane, 34, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday after allegedly spitting on the arm of the ambulance worker.

Robert James, prosecuting, said: “The allegation is that Ms Crane had flagged down an ambulance which was on its way to attend an emergency.

“She was attended to by a paramedic and the Crown say Ms Crane spat on the paramedic’s arm.”

When officers arrested Ms Crane on May 9, at London Road, Marks Tey, they found her in possession of a blackhandled kitchen knife with a 5in blade.

Crane, of no fixed address, admitted possession of the knife but denied assault on an emergency worker.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in Rosebury Avenue, Colchester, on May 6.

Crane, who represented herself, opted for a trial before magistrates over a Crown Court trial before a jury.

She was remanded in custody until the trial, set for June 1 at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

She is also due to be sentenced on June 8 for three counts of assaulting an emergency worker, offences she has already admitted.

Mr James added: “There is no spitting in these offences, this relates to the kicking and pushing of officers.”

District Judge John Woollard said the case was particularly serious given the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The case against you is adjourned until June 1,” he said.

“You are remanded in custody until then.

“Given the nature of the circumstances of the offences and the particular need to protect emergency service workers during a pandemic, and the regularity of offences, you are refused bail.”