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A man has been jailed after he spat at a woman and baby while claiming he had coronavirus.

Ryan Wall also assaulted the woman, who was holding the baby, during what police described as a "domestic incident" in Tuebrook.

The 22-year-old was sentenced to five-and-a-half months in prison today.

Wall, of Lakenheath Road in Halewood, claimed he had been self-isolating with a cough and a temperature during the incident.

(Image: Liverpool ECHO)

But he was assessed after his arrest on Tuesday and found not to be showing symptoms of Covid-19.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault at Liverpool Magistrates' Court and was today jailed for 22 weeks.

Wall was also ordered to pay £122 to his victim and a restraining order was granted.

Following his sentencing, Detective Inspector Paul Speight said: “This was a particularly nasty assault and I am pleased to see Wall behind bars.

“We are continuing to remind people about the silent call 999 system for vulnerable people living in our communities, including those who suffer from domestic abuse.

"We completely understand that victims of domestic abuse could be feeling more vulnerable during the current situation we all find ourselves in, but my message to them is please don't suffer in silence.

"If you need our help call us and if you can't make a call as you would ordinarily do please use the Silent Call option available to you.

Domestic abuse help and support Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. NHS advice says if you are at risk of domestic abuse or violence you can: Talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife

Women can call 0808 2000 247, the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge

Men can call the Men's Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or ManKind on 01823 334 244

In an emergency, call 999 The Survivor's Handbook from Women's Aid is free and gives information on issues such as housing, money, helping children and legal rights. Men can email info@mensadviceline.org.uk, which can refer you to places that can help, such as health services and voluntary organisations. For forced marriage and "honour" crimes, contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or The Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151). Galop provides support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence. Anyone who needs confidential help with their own abusive behaviour can contact Respect on their free helpline on 0808 802 4040.

"Silent Call is a part of the 999 system, which allows for people who are not free to speak, but are able to make a noise to press 55, which alerts the BT operator to the fact that you need help, and they can then connect the call to the police.

"The system enables all 999 callers, to access support in the manner described, it is important that a noise is made when 55 has been pressed. For example if you can only make noise, such as tapping the handset, coughing, crying or even talking to the offender, then these actions will alert the attention of the BT operator.

"We have specially trained officers on hand to offer help and support and to investigate allegations of abuse thoroughly and professionally.

“We would always advise that if someone is in immediate danger they should dial 999 and speak to an operator but we also accept that in times such as this when households are self-isolating that openly speaking is not always an option."

*If you are a victim, or believe someone you know is a victim, you can contact Merseyside Police on Twitter (@MerPolCC) or Facebook (Merseyside Police Contact Centre).

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111