Police have cautioned a 16-year-old boy over a coughing incident at Nelson Bay last weekend.
Just before 2pm Sunday, an elderly couple was walking along Victoria Parade when a car pulled up beside them.
A boy reportedly leaned out of the car window and coughed over the couple, while he and his mates laughed and then drove off.
Following an investigation, a 16-year-old attended Ryde Police Station where he was issued a caution under the Young Offenders Act.
The other two occupants of the car have been given warnings.