A 41-years old British woman became the first to be arrested by the police for attempting non-essential travel despite the government’s coronavirus lockdown measure.
Maria Dinou was found at Newcastle Central station at around 8am on Saturday was reported to the police by railway staff for loitering between platforms.
She was thereafter interrogated by the police, but failed to justify her reasons for wanting to travel. The police fined her £850 after she was unable to give a valid reason for using the railway during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: ‘While a ticket offence had also been committed in this case, enforcement of any sort under the new regulations really is a last resort, especially arrest. ‘In this case, officers tried their utmost best to engage with Dinou.
I can assure you we would much rather not have to take such action.
‘We strongly urge the public to do the right thing and help us save lives by staying at home and slowing the spread of the virus.’ Dinou, from York, was arrested and appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
She was handed a £650 fine for failing to comply with requirements imposed under the Coronavirus Act 2020, as well as an £85 fine for ticket fraud and £80 in costs.
