A 23-YEAR-OLD Carlisle man has been jailed for theft and assaulting a shop worker – by spitting and claiming he had Covid-19.

Jamie George William Wade, of Millholme Avenue, Currock, committed the offences on Monday.

At the city’s Rickergate court, Wade admitted stealing food and electrical items worth almost £80 from Asda.

The defendant was jailed for 84 days and must pay £150 compensation.

Magistrates said: “The offence was so serious because the victim was providing a public service and [it was you] spitting during a pandemic and stating you had Covid-19.”