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OldBrit · 61-69, M
Common assault is when a person inflicts violence on someone else or makes them think they are going to be attacked. It does not have to involve physical violence. Threatening words or a raised fist is enough for the crime to have been committed provided the victim thinks that they are about to be attacked. Spitting at someone is another example.
From
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/outlines/assault/
Also
An offence committed against a person working in a public-facing role is an aggravating factor that should be highlighted in Court to assist at sentence
From https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/offences-against-person-incorporating-charging-standard
I leave others to research and consider but my opinion is that it clearly is assault by the above legal definition and Prof Whitty is a public figure hence that should be considered in sentencing.