Former West Brom defender, James Hurst remanded in custody for coughing at police officers and telling them he had Coronavirus

Former West Brom and England defender, James Hurst has been remanded in custody after coughing at police officers and telling them he had Coronavirus.

The 28-year-old who plays for Hednesford Town was arrested after losing his temper and swearing at officers.

The incident occurred in the garden of his lover’s home in Glasgow’s Drumchapel in April this year, and he admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner towards the officers

The court heard on Monday that the ex-West Brom and Wrexham defender initially contacted the police claiming to be the victim of domestic abuse before officers became aware of a possible outstanding warrant against him.

When police confronted him, Hurst yelled: ‘get my lawyer first.’

Prosecuting at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Mark Allan described the course of events: ‘He immediately stated “I’ve got Covid, I’m going to cough and spit all over you”.

‘At that point, he began to cough in the faces of both officers as they were placing handcuffs on him. As he did this, he shouted “Have that”. 

‘He said he is from the Queen’s country and all Scottish are slaves to him.’

Hurst, who has also played for Crawley Town, Torquay United and Wrexham, also reportedly said: ‘You are not the law, you are civilians in uniform, Queen’s country rules, you live in Scottish slums, I am superior.’

Keith Tuck, defending, told the court Hurst, who now plays for non-league Hednesford Town, had aspirations of becoming a player/manager.

He added: “He is a man who in the past has had a successful career as a professional footballer and has qualifications in football as a coach in England.”

Sheriff Tony Kelly deferred sentence until the end of the month for background reports, while Hurst has been remanded in custody in the meantime.