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A man has become the first person in the UK to be jailed for visiting a hospital without a valid medical reason and then bragging about it on Facebook.

Kierran Stevenson, 32, took to Facebook on Monday to boast about using his daily exercise to visit Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The hospital is currently only open for A&E and urgent appointments during the coronavirus lockdown and closed to visitors.

Stevenson, from Aylesbury, bragged: "On one of my daily ALLOWED excursions... I'm gonna take a walk around the hospital and get some real numbers for you.

"Time to have a look with my own eyes."

Stevenson was caught on CCTV at the hospital shortly after, before then posting his own photos on Facebook of his visit, slamming the lack of precautions and security at the hospital.

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(Image: Facebook)

Following his visit, he updated his Facebook, writing: "I went to ICU, A+E, Level One, Level Two, upstairs and downstairs. No sanitisers in sight, no bacterial rub, nothing.

"Spoke to two different workers - Vinny (he called himself, lanyard was backwards) is loving the overtime he's getting and wore a mask for about one day when it first hit Stoke Mandeville a Month ago.

He added: "I'm not saying covid doesn't exist, it's a respiratory virus, but is predominantly focusing on the elderly and infirm (same as standard flu).

"Now think about how many people day in day out dying from normal s**t... but getting put into the covid-19 stat to keep the pandemic going."

And he ended his Facebook post by writing: "Bottom line is, if your [sic] missing your lattes Stoke Mandeville Costa is still open."

He was arrested the next day and on Thursday, he was jailed for 12 weeks at Oxford Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to one count of causing a public nuisance, and one count of contravening the government's emergency restriction of movement.

He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the NHS Trust.

(Image: Facebook)

Stevenson's actions were called "reckless" by Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwhal, and Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Prescott Mayling, of Aylesbury CID.

The Crown Prosecutor added: "Despite there being clear warnings about entering the hospital, Stevenson walked around the building, speaking with staff and breaching social distancing guidelines.

"His reckless behaviour was extremely distressing for staff and put them, patients and the public at risk.

"We will continue to prosecute anyone who acts irresponsibly risking harm to others during the current pandemic."

And DCI Prescott Mayling added: "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."

(Image: PA)

Speaking after his sentencing, DCI Prescott Mayling added: "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."

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."

And Neil Macdonald, CEO of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, added:

"We would like to thank our colleagues in Thames Valley Police for their prompt and effective action in this case.

"To keep everyone safe, please stay at home, do not meet with others, even friends or family.

"When you do have to go out for essential supplies, stay two 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."