By Gavin Mackintosh-
Norfolk police have shamed four people from Petersborough who have been found guilty of breaching COVID-19 restrictions under the Coronavirus Act 2020, following an incident of theft in King’s Lynn.
Officers were called at 7:45pm on Monday 6 April 2020 to Sainsbury’s on the Hardwick Industrial Estate, to reports of a shoplifting of high value alcohol and other goods from the supermarket.
Three men and a woman were arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Officers suspected they had also been breaching COVID-19 restrictions, and they were taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning. The four suspects appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 8 April 2020) via video link for sentencing, after pleading guilty to a number of charges.
Scarlett Harvey, aged 29, of Eastern Avenue, Peterborough was found guilty of theft, possession of a class C controlled drug, and for contravening a requirement as to the restriction of movement during the emergency period- contrary to regulations of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 on April 4 2020. She was also found guilty of breaching a community order, and a suspended sentence order. She was subsequently sentenced to 13 weeks imprisonment.
Guilty Of Drug Possession
Anton Oakley, aged 31, of Redmile Walk, Peterborough was found guilty of four counts of possession of a controlled drug, and for contravening a requirement as to the restriction of movement during the emergency period- contrary to regulations of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 on April 4 2020. He was also found guilty of driving whilst disqualified, without insurance or an MOT, and for failing to provide a sample at the roadside. Anton was sentenced to 13 weeks imprisonment.
Theft
Junior Modest, aged 46, of Crabtree, Peterborough was found guilty of theft, and for contravening a requirement as to the restriction of movement during the emergency period- contrary to regulations of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 on April 4 2020. He was given a six week Community Order with an electronically monitored curfew, fined £200, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge and costs totalling £117. </
Tanveer Bashir, aged 39, of Gladstone Street, Peterborough was found guilty of contravening a requirement as to the restriction of movement during the emergency period- contrary to regulations of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 on April 4 2020. He was subsequently fined £200, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge and costs totalling £117.
Norfolk Police thanked the public who followed Government guidelines at the weekend. The force, which one a world class policing award in 2019 for its efficiency in combating crime said:
” whilst the majority have listened to the advice not to travel to tourist spots and parks, there are concerns over the number of people who ignored social distancing guidelines by visiting other households. Norfolk police said it received 160 calls from members of the public reporting people ignoring the guidelines on Saturday 4 April and a further 198 calls on Sunday 5 April.
Warnings
It added that 51 warnings were given to those in public or gathered at other addresses on Saturday 4 April – including people at a household in the Broadland area having a party, all of which were dispersed back to their own homes.
Norfolk cops said that on Sunday evening issued 58 warnings to those in public or at other addresses, including to a pub in North Norfolk selling take away meals but still allowing customers to consume them in their beer garden. Further enquiries have established the pub did not commit any offences.
ACC Julie Wvendth said:
“I would like to thank the majority of the public who have listened to the Government guidelines to stay home and stay safe over the weekend.
“Our stance has been to engage and educate but where people have breached the guidelines we have taken appropriate action to enforce them.
“Sadly there is still a minority who believe it is acceptable to continue to ignore the rules and potentially put lives at risk.
“Our biggest concern following the weekend is the number of people who have attended other households, particularly for barbeques or parties. The Government guidelines are clear and people should not be visiting friends or family. Joining friends and family is a big risk of spreading the virus and damaging the NHS’s ability to manage patient care.
“This virus does not discriminate between friends, families or strangers and it can be transmitted between anyone. If you are supporting relatives and friends in at risk groups – such as doing shopping for them – leave it on their doorstep and stay at least two metres away from them.
“I would urge people to consider their plans carefully for the forthcoming Easter weekend and follow the Government advice on social distancing. Unless your travel is essential, the only plans you should be making are to stay home and stay safe in order to protect the NHS and save lives.”