A Perth man who admitted to failing to comply with a self-isolation directive issued under the Emergency Management Act has become the first person sent to prison in Australia for the offence.

Jonathan David, 35, was convicted in the Perth Magistrates Court for twice sneaking out of hotel quarantine to visit his girlfriend and get food on April 4 and 5.

David flew into Perth from Victoria on March 27 and was transferred to the Travelodge Hotel to complete his mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

He was seen by hotel staff on five occasions over four days outside of his room before police were contacted.