‘Criminal implications’ of not social distancing

A Magherafelt solicitor is urging the public to be fully aware of the criminal implications of non compliance with social distancing rules which came into operation at the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Mar 2020, 16:30 BST
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Monday 23rd March 2020 - General view of Belfast City centre at lunch time today. Enforced social distancing is likely to be introduced soon, Northern Ireland's health minister Robin Swann has said Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press EyePress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Monday 23rd March 2020 - General view of Belfast City centre at lunch time today. Enforced social distancing is likely to be introduced soon, Northern Ireland's health minister Robin Swann has said Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Monday 23rd March 2020 - General view of Belfast City centre at lunch time today. Enforced social distancing is likely to be introduced soon, Northern Ireland's health minister Robin Swann has said Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Stephen Atherton, of John J. McNally & Co, said this week that the measures will last for six months, with a review every three weeks.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 was passed by the Westminster Parliament in London on Friday (March 26), and came into force immediately in England and from 11pm on Saturday, March 28, in Northern Ireland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Atherton said: “Currently, no citizen is allowed to leave their home “without reasonable excuse”, such as;

“Shopping for “basic necessities”, as infrequently as possible.

“One form of exercise per day such as a run, walk or cycle.

“Medical reasons, to provide care, or to help a vulnerable person.

“Travelling to and from work, but only if it is ‘absolutely necessary’ and cannot be done from home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Simply put, in relation to public law and order, anyone continuing to breach the coronavirus social distancing rules listed above will now be considered to be breaking the law and could face enforcement action and arrest.

“Police will be able to order people to go home, leave an area or disperse.

“Failure to comply with such an instruction could result in the issue of a £60 fixed penalty for first time offenders, £120 fixed penalty for those committing a further offence and thereafter doubling for repeat offending.”

The local solicitor stressed that failure to pay the fixed penalties would result in prosecution before a Magistrates Court and the potential of acquiring a criminal record.