Hastings woman to face court for breach of lockdown rules

Local woman Deborah Cutting (54) will appear before Hastings Magistrates next month after she was arrested on St Leonards seafront on Wednesday for breaching lockdown rules.

It’s prompted Police to issue a reminder that officers will take action against those found to be blatantly breaching the government’s Covid-19 regulations.

Ms Cutting was charged after police were notified of a group of people gathering daily to exercise together on St Leonards seafront.

Officers attended on Wednesday and following the force’s four Es approach the attempted to Engage with the group, Explaining that the government’s regulations state exercise is permitted outdoors but only with those from your household or one other person from outside of your household.

However, the Engagement was not successful, with the group failing to comply with requests to move on and cease the gathering which meant moving to the fourth ‘E’, Enforcement.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The force continues to urge people to do the right thing by following the restrictions which are in place to save lives and protect the NHS.

“Officers will continue to take breaches of the legislation seriously, and will take enforcement action against those found to be obviously and wilfully disregarding the rules.”

Superintendent Julia Pope said: “We know this is an extremely difficult time for everyone, but the actions we take and the decisions we make now can help save lives.

“This pandemic has lasted for many months now and so we are all familiar with what we should be doing to play our part in stopping the spread of the virus.

“We know the overwhelming majority of people in Sussex are doing the right thing by staying home, wearing masks and social distancing, but unfortunately a small minority of people continue to ignore the rules. 

“The restrictions are in place for a reason, and everyone has a responsibility to make the right decisions. That includes business owners and their customers, those who organise events and those who attend them. Our officers are ready to deal robustly with those who continue to breach the regulations.

“It’s so important, now as much as ever, that we pull together and do what we need to do to protect our NHS and our communities from the virus.”

Are officers right to take tough action against the rule breakers? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

6 thoughts on “Hastings woman to face court for breach of lockdown rules

    1. the police are gathered together in groups of more than 2 They do not socially distance. Why are they not under arrest?

  1. The women were not putting anyone in danger. Anyone who is out exercising does not have covid. Therefore they can’t be spreading it. Even if one of them had it, they don’t make anyone else join in, and keep at least double the 12ft distance away from the public. There is no logic whatsoever in stopping them – especially as exercise, fresh air and sunlight help avoid the virus.

    1. You are misinformed saying ‘they don’t have it therefore they can’t spread it’ when they could all be carrying the virus and be ‘asymtonatic’ therefore they can spread it ! They aren’t part of the same household that the point.We are actually only allowed to visit one person outside of our household outdoors 2 metres apart of course.

  2. Pity the police were not so responsive with the street drinkers down town.
    Perhaps if they had been those benches might still be there

  3. But my neighbours having parties with 6 plus people from 5pm-2am is ok because there is a possibility its a support bubble!

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