AN UNEMPLOYED Island man who threatened to kill a bus driver, before attacking six police officers — including hurling phlegm mixed with blood into the eye of one of them — was jailed by a crown court judge.

Joshua Honan, of Ocean View Road, Ventnor, was jailed for 18 months at the Isle of Wight Crown Court after he admitted making threats to kill a bus driver and police officer, six instances of assaulting police officers, possessing a knife and a public order offence.

All the offences took place on May 26, over a "prolonged and sustained period".

Some of Honan's vile threats, including the deliberate spread of Covid, were made to one officer in particular, which were shown to the court as police body worn footage.

Honan — the worse for wear through drugs and alcohol — was asked to get off a bus, by its driver, in Victoria Road, Sandown.

The driver told him he was unfit to travel, which sparked abuse, kicking and striking the cab the driver was in, and a threat to stab and kill him.

Honan, 23, told the driver: "I'll stab you. I'll wait for you after work and drag you into a forest to finish you off. The last scream you hear will be that of your girlfriend," followed by a barrage of insults — and all the while trying to get into his cab.

"He then reached in to his bag and said he had a big weapon. The driver believed he did and that had Honan gained access to his cab, he would've stabbed him," said Edward Elton, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Monday (20).

"He said his actions had put him in fear of his life."

As the driver dialled 999, Honan tried to snatch the phone from him, then called him a 'snitch'.

Eventually, the driver sped off — Honan damaging the bus by hurling a roof tile at it.

Honan got onto a different bus but the police arrived, found a Stanley knife among his belongings and arrested him.

When told to step into the police van, Honan deliberately smashed his face against the van — then attempted to falsely accuse officers of an assault, despite the incident being caught on camera, said Mr Elton.

In the van, Honan told PC Taylor, on the way to Newport Police Station: "Watch while I spit in your face and you've got Covid. I haven't had my Covid test. Good luck. I hope you're dead."

Honan then made threats to kill the officer, together with vile threats to rape and 'cut' members of his family.

"You watch when I find you. You're going to end up on ITV news as the next dead Fed," Honan said.

"On your last shift, I'll cut you in an alley and slit your throat. Don't go out Friday or Saturday because you're going to get stabbed. You won't make it home."

Honan's threatening, abusive and violent behaviour did not stop there.

He made threats on his arrival at the station and when taken to a cell, from where he kicked out at police officers — injuring one's shin, then he scratched the elbow and wrist of others.

Honan also sank his teeth into the hand of an officer, who was protected by stab-proof gloves.

He then combined blood and phlegm in his hand and hurled it at officers, which hit PC Lacey in the eye.

The officer said Honan's act almost made her physically sick as she hurriedly tried to wash it away — fearing she may have caught Covid from him, following his earlier threats to PC Taylor.

Honan's criminal record comprised 12 convictions for 24 offences, which include causing criminal damage and possession of a prohibited weapon.

For Honan, Jonathan Underhill said his client had mental health issues and no recollection of what he did, so was "shocked and appalled" by his actions.

Mr Underhill added: "He is not an angel or blameless and it was despicable the way he acted, but he wishes to express genuine remorse."

However, within a report prepared for the judge, Honan had suggested the police had "made a meal of it".

The judge, Recorder Barry McElduff, told him: "You intended to cause fear of serious harm, specifically by disease transmission through spitting and throwing blood and phlegm — and by telling officers they would get Covid by doing so.

"There is a need for a strong deterrent message to be sent, so that those in any way tempted to act in this way, will desist.

"It would also be necessary to reassure the public — and in particular, those working in the front line, providing service and protection to others."

Honan reacted to his jail sentence by causing havoc in the dock, shouting "scum" as a parting shot towards the judge, and wailing at the top of his voice.

It took security staff more than 20 minutes to subdue him.

Read more: Police's victim impact statements