A man has been jailed visiting Stoke Mandeville Hospital without a medical need to do so when it is treating Covid-19 patients, and is closed to visitors and those with non-urgent appointments.

Thames Valley Police received reports that a man had posted on social media that he had visited the hospital for no reason.

His actions within the hospital reportedly caused distress and disruption to hospital staff and members of the public.

Kierran Stevenson, aged 32, of Sewell Close, Aylesbury was charged and remanded in custody yesterday with one count of causing a public nuisance and one count of contravening the requirement as to the restriction of movement during the Coronavirus emergency period following his arrest on Tuesday.

Stevenson pled guilty to both charges and has been sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the NHS Trust.

Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Prescott Mayling of Aylesbury CID, said: “Stevenson’s actions were reckless in attending the hospital without a genuine medical need.

“He has ignored the government advice, the clear signage at the hospital and caused upset to members of the public and NHS staff following his social media posts. In doing so he has breached the law.

“At this time we must protect the vulnerable in our communities and do all we can to support the NHS.

“Thames Valley Police will consider any offences and take the appropriate action in order to play our part in achieving this.

“The overwhelming majority of people are acting sensibly and we have not taken this decision to arrest Stevenson lightly, but we believe this was necessary and proportionate given his attendance at the hospital.

“The Court ruled his actions were a brazen disregard for the law which is there to protect lives, and that these could only result in a custodial sentence”.

The Local Police Area Commander for Aylesbury Vale, Superintendent Michael Loebenberg, said: “The vast majority of our communities are following the government guidance and we hope this is an isolated case.

“We will be visible in our communities, engaging with the public, explaining the restrictions in place and encouraging compliance.

“Where necessary though, as in this case, we will take enforcement action to protect the NHS and the wider public”.

CEO of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Neil Macdonald, said: “We would like to thank our colleagues in Thames Valley Police for their prompt and effective action in this case, and their continued support during what are challenging times for all of us.

“To keep everyone safe, please stay at home, do not meet with others, even friends or family – and when you do have to go out for essential supplies, stay 2 metres away from the nearest person.

"If everyone follows this simple advice, it really will save lives and enable the NHS, the police and all the other emergency services to look after and protect the public”.