A MAN told members of the public that he ‘hoped they would get the virus and die’, a court heard.

Trevor Parsons, of Acland Court, in Dorchester, admitted abusing police officers who were called to the scene.

He also admitted causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to equipment in his sheltered housing complex.

Parsons ripped a large piece of care equipment from his home, which is run by community housing firm Magna Housing Association, and where he has been living for over a year.

The 59-year-old admitted damaging the care line equipment as well as a charge of using abusive and threatening behaviour towards a care worker who came to his home to help him, Weymouth Magistrates Court heard.

Parsons also admitted a third charge of abusing and threatening members of the public and police officers in Charles Street, Dorchester on May 15.

Prosecutor Andrew Newman said on February 11 Parsons had ripped the equipment, which was worth £1,404, from the wall in frustration because a phone within his accommodation was not working properly.

The court heard how Parsons then verbally abused and threatened a care worker who had attended his flat to help him.

“The damage caused by ripping the equipment from the wall affected 65 appliances within other flats within the accommodation,” said Mr Newman. The appliances as well as the fire alarm for the community housing building were no longer operating due to his actions.”

Mr Newman told the court that on May 15 Parsons was on Charles Street and verbally abused members of the public, where he said, ‘I hope you get the virus and die’.

Police were called to the scene where Parsons verbally abused two police officers.

Representing Parsons, Lee Christmas, said the defendant had been homeless on and off for 30 years.

The offences on the two separate dates happened when Parsons was on a community order for an offence he committed in 2019.

He was released on unconditional bail and will be sentenced at Weymouth Magistrates Court on March 4.