Jade Hamon (45) yesterday admitted breaching new emergency Covid-19 laws after being caught drinking with a friend in Millennium Town Park on Saturday. He was fined £500 in the Magistrate’s Court, where it was heard Hamon refused to ‘comply with the regulations’ after he met a friend who had been struggling with their mental health.
Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris said it was a ‘flagrant breach’ of the restrictions.
In a statement the States police said Hamon refused to comply with the regulations ‘over a number of days’ and ‘made it clear to officers that he had no intention of doing so’.
In a separate incident, an individual was ‘returned to their home address’ by police officers for flouting the emergency rules. That person was not arrested.
Elsewhere officers issued 228 ‘words of advice’ to Islanders appearing to ignore rules imposed to slow the spread of the virus as temperatures hit 18.6°C on Sunday – the warmest day of the year so far.
One premises was forced to close by police. No details have been given.
A total of 1,414 vehicle stops were carried out, with officers focusing on hotspot areas including St Ouen’s Bay, St Brelade’s Bay and West Park/St Aubin’s Bay.
Elsewhere there were:
l118 visits to business and other premises.
l72 stop checks (where someone is reasonably believed not be complying with restrictions).
l67 beach/park visits.
St Helier Chef de Police Danny Scaife, head of the Comité des Chefs de Police, said officers had to disrupt several house parties too – including two in St Helier of up to 15 people.
‘Once we explained they couldn’t do it they listened and understood. We explained by doing this they could be potentially spreading the virus that they may not know they have. I think the message is getting out there but it did not surprise me that we have some people still getting together,’ Mr Scaife said.
States police chief Robin Smith and Mr Scaife said there would be patrols and police intervention this week and into the Easter weekend, with the fine weather set to continue.
And the force have again urged Islanders who see others congregating not to dial 999. They are now instead advising people with concerns to call the non-emergency number, 612612.
Mr Smith said: ‘I’m really pleased with how the Island has responded to the stay-home order. Together we’re trying to adjust to this new normality and it’s clear that most are absolutely playing their part.
‘There have, regrettably, been some who have needed additional guidance but in general people are being highly responsible, for which we are thankful.’
‘With further good weather forecast this week, and the forthcoming Easter weekend, we do hope that the public will continue to show the same level of support and consideration for fellow Islanders that they have thus far.’
The States police caused some controversy at the weekend after a post on their Facebook page appeared to imply that Islanders should not be driving their cars.
Chief Minister John Le Fondré said last week it was fine for Islanders to drive to a place to exercise as long as it is included in their permitted two hours outside.
A subsequent post from the force moved to clarify its position and said driving was fine but only if absolutely essential and for shopping, to travel to exercise, to get medical supplies or for work.
A spokesperson said: ‘Of course, there are individual circumstances that don’t fit neatly into these categories. That is why there is a helpline you can ring for advice and why our officers will ask you questions to understand your circumstances and reasons for being out. We will be pragmatic.
‘Why do we want to reduce the number of cars on the road? Primarily because more cars on the road increases the risk of accidents, just one of which can occupy us, Jersey Fire and Rescue and, critically, States of Jersey Ambulance Service for many hours. During that time we’re not available to help others in need, including Covid patients.’
