A Stalybridge man is the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of breaching emergency coronavirus legislation.
Steven Norman Mackie, 53, of Stamford Street, Stalybridge, admitted one charge of failing to maintain public health and causing public disorder and nuisance contrary to regulations 6, 9(1b and 4) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, England)(Restrictions) Regulations 2020 when he appeared at Stockport Magistrates' Court on Monday, 30th March 2020.
The maximum penalty for an offence under the Regulations is an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
This case would have ordinarily been dealt with at Tameside Magistrates' Court, but that venue is currently closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Magistrates heard that Mackie was out in the centre of Stalybridge, without reasonable excuse, on Saturday, 28th March 2020.
He was observed crowding members of the public queuing outside the Tesco Superstore on the town's Trinity Street.
Officers approached Mackie and warned him about his conduct. Finding he had no reason to be at the store, they took the pragmatic approach of putting him in the back of their van and taking him home.
The court heard that Mackie banged on the walls of the van during the short journey back to Stamford Street. On leaving the van he warned officers that he would return to the supermarket, adding "I'll see you there later".
No sooner had the officers driven away, Mackie headed back towards Tesco. He was arrested by the same officers a short time later, when he was again observed encroaching on the personal space of people queuing outside the store.
Neil Brettell, Presiding Justice, said Mackie had been given a chance by police, but had chosen to ignore them.
"I'm not allowed to send you to prison," he added.
"The law does not allow it. However, you have spent two days in custody because of your own stupidity."
Mackie was fined £500 and ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and £50 victim surcharge.
Police officers have a difficult enough time at the moment without "clever" members of the public trying to make matters worse.
We would encourage everyone to abide by the rules currently in force and respect the valuable work of our essential key workers.
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