Woman fined £660 for violating coronavirus quarantine laws
1 April 2020, 10:09
A woman from York has been fined at court after pleading guilty to railway offences and breaching the new Coronavirus restrictions, following the first arrest of its kind on the railway network.
Marie Dinou, 41, from York, was seen by British Transport Police "loitering between platforms" at Newcastle Central Station at around 8am on Saturday as she apparently tried to travel.
Dinou would not explain to police why she needed to travel or give her name when asked by the police and was arrested on suspicion of breaking restrictions imposed under the Coronavirus Act 2020.
At court, she received a £660 fine for failing to provide identity or reasons for travel to police and failing to comply with requirements under the Coronavirus Act 2020. She was also ordered to pay a £66 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “While a ticket offence had also been committed in this case, enforcement of any sort under the new regulations really is a last resort, especially arrest.
“In this case, officers tried their upmost best to engage with Dinou. I can assure you we would much rather not have to take such action.”
“We strongly urge the public to do the right thing and help us save lives by staying at home and slowing the spread of the virus.”
