28 January 2021, 15:40
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PA
An ex-plumber has been given an 18 month community order for spitting in Jeremy Corbyn’s face during the the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Gerald Dore assaulted Mr Corbyn in the morning of May 20 last year in a “barrage of abuse” while he was cycling with his wife Laura Alvarez.
Prosecutor Matt Barrowcliffe told Westminster Magistrates’ Court the Islington North MP had stopped at the corner of Seven Sisters Road, north London where Dore was waiting to cross.
Gesturing to let Dore cross, the 56-year-old swore at Mr Corbyn who said there was “no need to use that language” before the defendant continued.
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Mr Barrowcliffe said: “He began shouting and swearing aggressively towards both parties before ultimately taking a step towards Mr Corbyn and spitting.”
The community order given will include 80 hours of unpaid work.
Dorre has also been ordered to pay £250 in compensation; £150 to Mr Corbyn and £100 to his wife.
In a statement read by Mr Barrowcliffe, Mr Corbyn said: “I was alarmed and distressed by the aggressive behaviour towards me, in particular spitting in my face.”
Mr Barrowcliffe said the assault was aggravated by Mr Corbyn’s vulnerability as a person in the public eye.
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