Friday 29 March 2024
4.7 C
Nottingham

Notts Police warn they’ll ‘Use the full weight of the law’ to uphold new coronavirus restrictions

Police in Nottinghamshire have shown just how prepared they are to use the full weight of the law in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus after issuing a £10,000 fixed penalty notice to a house party host.

A 19-year-old man has been issued with the hefty fine after he allowed more than 50 people to attend a party at his home on Harlaxton Drive, Lenton, yesterday (Friday) evening.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper from Nottinghamshire Police said: “We need to all remember we are very much still in the middle of a global pandemic and we all need to take responsibility for our actions.

“This party was a clear example of a householder who deliberately flouted the rules without a care for anyone else and as a result we have used the full powers we have to deal with this.

“Under current rules we can issue fines to anyone hosting gatherings of more than 30 people which can result in fines of up to £10,000. And now we are on the eve of rules becoming even tighter so there can be gatherings of no more than six.

- Advertisement -

“I want to send out a clear message to anyone who is thinking of deliberately hosting parties tonight or tomorrow night ahead of the rules changing to please not do this. As we have demonstrated here we are not afraid to use the full powers we have and we will not tolerate those who are deliberately put other people’s lives in danger.”

• Nottingham resident faces £10,000 fine for hosting house party of over 50 people

The law recently changed to allow forces to impose bigger fines in response to increased reports of unlawful gatherings and unlicensed music events which are putting people’s lives in danger due to the current pandemic.

Amy English, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for City Central, added:  “Residents have had fair warning that we won’t tolerate people flouting the laws and regulations around the Coronavirus restrictions must be adhered to by everyone.

“In this case, the resident also had the chance to shut the party down when they were first visited by our council colleagues.

“Despite blatantly breaching the regulations, there’s no doubt in my mind that not everyone attending would have been social distancing which is irresponsible and puts everyone’s health at risk.

“Throughout this pandemic, the vast majority of local people have followed the advice and engaged really well with us. We have used enforcement only as a last resort and that will continue.

Chatsworth Door Knock

“We must take these incidents seriously, it puts everyone’s health at risk and we will be working closely with the council and any other relevant organisation to tackle any issues that may arise.”

Councillor Rebecca Langton, Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Highways and Strategic Transport said: “The police’s action last night sends a clear message that breaking the rules, especially in the context of a global pandemic, will not be tolerated and each organisation in partnership will take whatever steps we can to keep our communities safe.”

Anyone identified as breaching Covid-19 regulations by organising or allowing their property to be used in this way will be subject to action being taken by Nottinghamshire Police. This could include fines of up to £10,000.

Follow The Wire on TikTok, Facebook, X, Instagram. Send your story to newsdesk@westbridgfordwire.com or via WhatsApp on 0115 772 0418

Categories:
 

Latest