Essex man who should have been self-isolating fined after hosting 18th birthday party
He is one of a number of people to have been issued a fixed penalty notice this past week
A 45 year-old man from Silver End, who should have been self-isolating, has been fined after hosting an 18th birthday party.
The party was attended by neighbours.
He was one of a number of people in Essex fined in the past week, for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
Essex Police has thanked the "vast majority of people in Essex who have stuck to the rules by staying at home, avoiding unnecessary journeys and isolating when required to".
Officers are said to take a "common-sense approach by engaging with people, explaining the regulations and encouraging them to do the right thing".
But, "where reasoned conversation is not successful, we will consider enforcement action", the force added.
A 43 year-old woman was fined after refusing to pack up her blankets and chairs on Clacton beach, despite officers explaining it was a breach of the rules.
On the same beach the next day, a 32 year-old man was issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after refusing to engage with officers.
He was first asked to leave after setting up a barbecue with a female companion, but was then seen eating fish and chips with three other people.
Essex Police said his friends left when asked, but the 32 year-old became "verbally abusive and argued that he didn’t agree with the rules".
Elsewhere, on Friday (26 February) a 31 year-old man was stopped at Stansted Airport after attempting to leave the country for a two-week break to visit family.
A 39 year-old man was also issued with an FPN after trying to board a flight to see relatives in Italy.
Essex Police is urging anyone thinking about organising a social gathering or making a non-essential journey to "please reconsider, stay safe and stop the unnecessary spread of COVID-19".
The force also wants people to continue to report breaches online or by using the digital 101 service, where you can speak to an operator via Live Chat, any day between 7am and 11pm.
Details about the latest restrictions are on the Government website.