Jesmond man to front court after chemist Covid-19 vaccination allegedly becomes violent

Shocking CCTV shows a maskless NSW man’s request for a Covid-19 vaccination at his local chemist allegedly turn violent.

A NSW man’s request for a Covid-19 vaccination at his local chemist allegedly became violent, resulting in his arrest.

The 54-year-old from Jesmond in Newcastle visited the Pharmacy 4 Less chemist in Blue Gum Rd on Friday, just before 5pm, to obtain a vaccination.

Staff initially refused him entry because he allegedly was not wearing a face mask, and he returned a short time later with one.

A man will face court after he was charged following an incident at a chemist near Newcastle last week. Picture: 10 Daily

He allegedly swore at staff before getting physical. Picture: 10 Daily

NSW Police allege that as a 17-year-old staff member was helping him fill out the form for the vaccination, he became verbally aggressive towards her.

Shocking CCTV footage, obtained by Channel 10, shows an altercation between the man and staff.

Staff asked him to leave the store, but as he was exiting, he allegedly picked up a plastic bag full of glass bottles and began swinging them towards staff and customers before finally leaving, according to police.

Staff members stepped in to help get the man out of the store. Picture: 10 Daily

The 17-year-old pharmacy assistant who was allegedly verbally assaulted by the man was trying to help him fill out the form for his Covid-19 vaccination. Picture: 10 Daily

On Wednesday, the man was charged with affray and failing to comply with a public health order (not wear face covering).

He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.

Staff members stepped in to help get the man out of the store. Picture: 10 Daily

Pharmacy 4 Less chief executive Feras Karem told 2GB’s Ben Fordham that he was “absolutely shocked”.

“I felt so angry and so upset that someone who is providing this great service in terms of vaccinating … had to face this,” he said.

“This is not the first time we’ve seen physical abuse in pharmacies … We’ve noticed several incidents in recent times.”

Mr Karem said the young pharmacy assistant was too traumatised to return to work.

“These people (on the front line) go out every day and put themselves on the line,” Mr Karem said.

“This is the last thing that should happen.”