Man who wandered around local hospital to see the impact of coronavirus jailed

02 April 2020 | News

A man who wandered around his local hospital to see the impact of coronavirus, and posted about his visit on Facebook, was sentenced to three months in prison today following a CPS Thames and Chiltern prosecution.

Kierran Stevenson, 32, was captured on CCTV at Stoke Mandeville Hospital on 30 March, after posting on social media that he was going to go walk around the hospital to see the extent of the coronavirus pandemic for himself.

He posted photos on Facebook of himself at the hospital and images of hospital corridors, and commented that staff were not taking safety measures seriously.

Stevenson pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance and contravening requirement as to restriction of movement during emergency period - coronavirus at Oxford Magistrates’ Court today and was given a 12-week prison sentence. He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the hospital trust.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said: “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.”