This conference brought together leading orthopedic experts to address the key challenges and advancements in orthopedics and sports medicine
kt network2 hours ago
A Florida woman whose image went viral when she coughed on a customer at a Pier 1 store last year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has been sentenced to 30 days in jail.
A judge in Jacksonville on Thursday also ordered Debra Hunter to pay a $500 fine, serve six months probation and participate in a mental health evaluation along with anger management, David Chapman, communications director for the state attorney’s office in Jacksonville, said in an email. She was also ordered to cover the costs of the victim’s Covid-19 test.
Hunter received credit for one day already served in jail. She was arrested last June after she was recorded deliberately coughing on the other customer during an argument with employees inside the store. According to investigators, the victim, Heather Sprague, had begun recording Hunter’s heated encounter with the employees. Hunter saw her and made a rude gesture before walking up and saying she would cough on her. And then she coughed on her, an arrest affidavit said.
Sprague, who is being treated for a brain tumour, told the judge she spent days anxiously searching for a place where she and her family could be tested for the coronavirus. The tests ended up being negative, she said.
Hunter’s husband told the judge they had faced numerous hardships leading up to the incident, including losing everything they had in a house fire, FirstCoast News reported.
“It was like air being inflated into a balloon, and it finally got to the point where she couldn’t handle any more air,” Hunter’s husband said in court. “And then she finally rubbed up against something and just popped.”
Hunter told the judge her family has paid the price for her mistakes, adding that her children continue to lose friends, and that they don’t go out in their community anymore.
“I watch as my kids lower their heads and turn the opposite direction, so they won’t be recognised or approached,” she told the judge. “And I know exactly what they’re feeling because I do the same thing.”
Before ordering jail time, Duval County Court Judge James Ruth said she was struck by the fact that Hunter’s testimony focused less on how she may have harmed the victim and more on how her actions affected her own family.
“Her children didn’t create this problem and her husband didn’t, and she talked about how it changed her world and she was getting nastygrams on Facebook and things of that nature and they can’t go to their country club or wherever,” Ruth said. “But I have yet to see any expression, or a significant expression on her regret about the impact it had on the victim in this case!”
Sprague said the encounter left her stunned and fearful.
“I worried for the health and safety of my children, and wondered how in the world I could possibly isolate to protect them — in a household of 12 — if I had been intentionally infected,” she said.
She told the judge she believes there should be accountability for Hunter’s actions, which is why she chose to report the incident.
This conference brought together leading orthopedic experts to address the key challenges and advancements in orthopedics and sports medicine
kt network2 hours ago
Addressing the affordability challenge faced by providers is paramount in combating financial exclusion
business2 hours ago
He faced a serious condition called Stage 3 Retinopathy of Prematurity and spent nearly three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
health2 hours ago
71% of retail investors in the UAE hold stocks in companies engaged with AI
markets2 hours ago
This decision was taken to preserve the safety of administrative staff, teachers and students
uae3 hours ago
Abu Dhabi Police has been promoting the safety of motorcycle riders by holding workshops focused on improving traffic awareness
uae3 hours ago
The high-profile event brought together global philanthropic and business leaders to explore the untapped potential of philanthropic capital in accelerating development and humanitarian efforts
kt network3 hours ago
Many employees were told to report to office during the unprecedented rain and storm of April 16-17
uae3 hours ago