The organiser of a 21st birthday party has been hit with a £10,000 fine after failing to stop revellers from breaching restrictions with their antisocial behaviour.
Officers were called in the early hours of Thursday morning after a party, which began earlier in the evening, quickly escalated – with over 100 people spilling out on to the streets.
Residents were kept awake and left angry and upset by the loud antics which left many with little or no sleep ahead of a work and school day the next day.
Nottinghamshire Police has today said this was a “blatant breach of the rules” and handed the organiser the maximum penalty, which he will now be expected to pay or choose to go to court.
This comes as police have also issued warnings last night in the same neighbourhood following another party on a smaller scale, also involving antisocial behaviour.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “First and foremost, the party on Wednesday night and into the early hours of Thursday morning was large scale antisocial behaviour.
“Even without the Covid legislation, we would tackle this hard and not tolerate it – it generated a number of calls from residents in the area who quite frankly, deserve more respect.
“This was a blatant breach of the legislation with more than 100 attendees at the party and it is a shame that we have had to use the Covid legislation as we take no pleasure in using it.
“There is clear evidence the new Delta variant of concern is rising quickly in Nottingham and in particular this is rife among the younger age groups, who may not yet have had all their vaccinations. We know it spreads twice as quickly and it is twice as likely to see people hospitalised if they are vulnerable.
“Therefore to host such a party with scant regard to this situation is frankly astonishing – especially this late in the pandemic when there is no excuse whatsoever.
“We know a number of students are leaving the city as their term comes to an end but we would urge them not to be tempted to host such parties before they leave. We are so close to all restrictions being lifted, so it is in all our interest to not let situations like this set us all back.”
The incident happened on Harrington Drive, Lenton, when large crowds were reported to police in the streets at around 3am on Thursday June 24.
Police entered the house, dispersing the revellers and shutting down music systems.
Following further investigations, police today handed the organiser the fine in relation to the party.
This comes as police this week had to introduce dispersal orders in the Lenton area following issues with other revellers intent on causing antisocial behaviour. The dispersal order gives people the power to arrest individuals if they refuse to move on.
A spokesperson for The University of Nottingham said: “We are deeply disappointed at this behaviour which is unrepresentative of the majority of students in the city.
“Breaches of social distancing measures are an offence under our student discipline code and, in addition to any police action or court proceedings, the University will consider further disciplinary action, where fines, suspension and exclusion are potential outcomes.
“The University will continue to work closely with police, local authorities and residents’ associations to ensure our students protect and respect the communities of which they are a part.”
