The Christchurch man who filmed himself deliberately coughing and sneezing on people in a supermarket has pleaded guilty.
Thirty-eight-year-old Raymond Coombs appeared in the Christchurch District Court via video link on Monday morning, charged with endangering life by criminal nuisance and obstruction of a medical officer of health.
He had claimed the video he filmed at Fresh Choice supermarket in Barrington and uploaded to Facebook was a "drunken prank".
On Monday afternoon police dropped the charge of obstruction and amended the charge of endangering life to 'behaving in an offensive manner', which he pleaded guilty to.
His lawyer told the court he is hugely remorseful and Coombs also issued an apology.
"It was a foolish insensitive act, and I regret it - I really do," he said.
Judge Jane McMeeken criticised Coombs, saying he has acted in an "appalling fashion".
"It's vitally important to our country we get out of lockdown as soon as possible. Your actions could've stopped that."
Coombs has been released on bail and will appear on April 19 for sentencing.
