Socialising On Beach Ends In Custody

Two people are spending their Sunday in the cells for failing to comply with Covid-19 laws.

They’ll both appear in Court soon.

One was arrested for being absent from their home and failing to follow medical instructions; and the other was found drinking and socialising on a beach.

Police say they have arrested several people over the last week who have failed to follow the law. Two of them are also in the cells.

If convicted, people who break the emergency laws can expect a jail term up to 3 months or a fine of up to £10,000.

A statement issued by Police Superintendent Bibby said;

“Overall the emergency regulations and stay at home message over the bank holiday period has been adhered to across the Island, however there has been a continued core of individuals flouting the regulations and putting us all at risk. The regulations are there to protect our health service and us as a community. Everyone has to play their part for it to be successful. The weekend has seen a steady increase in COVID related reports to the Police from members of the public. The Constabulary has maintained a balanced approach; engaging, explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing and stay at home. We recognise this is an extremely difficult time for everyone and the potential impact of the regulations on those with mental health issues, vulnerable people in our community and others that just need that extra support at a time of need that is perhaps less available during these extraordinary times.

However, those that continue to simply flout the law, put others at risk will be dealt with robustly. This weekend has seen reports of people gathering for BBQ’s, groups of people gathering at houses for social events and others moving around the Island, mixing with other people with simply no reason to do so. From Good Friday through to Saturday the Constabulary has dealt with nearly a hundred reported incidents, a number of which have resulted in arrests having to be made against individuals who have been warned more than one occasion. Whilst we continue to work with the IOM Government to finalise the fixed penalty process and await Royal Assent for the primary legislation that underpins their use the Constabulary will continue to take a direct and robust approach to those that repeatedly breach the regulations.”