A man arrested over spitting at a security guard in a Christchurch Countdown store has a long wait before he knows his fate

Police have charged him with assault, resisting arrest, threatening to kill and issued an infringement notice for a Covid-19 related breach.

Countdown spokeswoman Kiri Hannifin says the 58-year-old man had been previously trespassed for abusive behaviour at the Church Corner store

She says he spat on the security guard and wouldn't leave the supermarket after being refused entry for not wearing a face covering.

Hannifin wouldn't comment on the results of a Covid-19 test for the staff member.

Police say the man's due to appear in the Christchurch District Court towards the end of next month.