Party-goers hit with hefty fine for Covid breach

HEFTY fines, two prohibition notices and a warning from police was how a house party in Newtownstewart in Saturday night ended, after officers caught a number of people breaching Covid-19 regulations.

After receiving a report of a house party taking place in the Mourne Park, police visited the property and issued ‘a number of COV4 fines of £200, and two COV2 prohibition notices’ to the individuals inside.

A COV4 penalty notice sees fines starting at £200, while a COV2 private prohibition notice is issued to licensed premises or for restriction of gatherings in a private dwelling.
Speaking about the incident, Inspector McDermott described the actions of the individuals involved as ‘disappointing and frustrating’.

“A key role for the Police Service of Northern Ireland is to support our public health colleagues, and the NI Executive wants to ensure we all play our part in stopping the spread of the coronavirus and help save lives,” he said.

“It is disappointing and frustrating that some people continue to disregard clear and specific advice, guidance and warnings issued by police, the Health Minister and others. But police will continue in our efforts to implement the Health Protection Regulations.”

Since March last year, police have issued 342 fines and notices across the Fermanagh and Omagh district for breaches of coronavirus guidelines.

Figures also reveal that 100 of these fines, which start at £200, have been issued in the past week.
Three COV3 notices, which carry £1,000 fines, for ‘failing to isolate’ have been issued across Omagh and Fermanagh since the beginning of the pandemic.

In the Derry City and Strabane district, a total of 907 fines and notices have been issued, while in Mid Ulster, the total stands at 277 fines and notices.