'You are not above the law' - Swindon house party sees 23 people fined for COVID breaches
Some people travelled more than 140 miles to be there
Last updated 2nd Feb 2021
23 people have been fined £800 each, for attending a Swindon house party which broke national lockdown rules.
On Saturday 30 January, police received reports of a large gathering at an address on Primrose Close, Haydon Wick.
When officers arrived at around 21:30 GMT, several several cars were parked, with two men cooking a barbecue outside the property and loud music coming from inside.
Police also saw alcohol and further food at the address.
The homeowner told officers it was his birthday, adding that some friends had travelled from Lincolnshire and Gloucestershire to attend.
Police then broke-up the party and issued 23 fixed penalty notices to people aged between 21 and 64.
A gathering of more than 15 people in a private home now carries an £800 fine for all those involved.
'A slap in the face'
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable, Kier Pritchard, said: "It is astounding to me that people still believe it is acceptable to travel across the country to attend a birthday party.
"Our NHS services, including our local hospitals here in Swindon and Wiltshire, remain under immense pressure and incidents like this are a slap in the face of those staff working tirelessly around the clock to care for the seriously ill and save lives.
"I hope these fines serve as a stark warning to anyone considering breaching the Government restrictions. You are not above the law, and we will take appropriate action against the small minority who continue to flout the rules and put lives at risk".