Fines issued after police break up Aberdeen house party

By Kirsten Robertson

April 3 2020, 10:34 am

Six penalty notices have been issued after a house party in Aberdeen where “the occupants refused to desist”.

The incident took place in Bucksburn on Tuesday, police have confirmed.

Those responsible were male and aged between 35-44.

Local councillor Avril MacKenzie said: “The longer people act like this, the longer the lockdown will be for everyone else. It’s extremely stupid behaviour.”

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary and north-east MSP, Liam Kerr, added that it was “totally irresponsible.”

He said: “It’s absolutely shocking that people would decide to have a house party knowing full well the dangers of doing so during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Together we can help save lives, protect the vulnerable and support the NHS through this difficult situation.”

Officers from the #CityCentrePST have been out engaging with the public to explain the current risks to health. It’s good to see our residents #SocialDistancing & following the #StayAtHomeSaveLives advice in line with government guidance for #Coronavirus #KeepingPeopleSafe pic.twitter.com/HLbvrNUtnj

— Aberdeen City Police (@AberdeenCPolice) April 2, 2020

Across Scotland, officers issued 144 fixed penalty notices under new legislation between Friday, 27 March and Wednesday, 1 April.

During one incident in Paisley on Saturday, three penalty notices were issued to a group of men who had no reasonable excuse to be together in a van and who said they had “no intention of adhering to the regulations.”

A total of 20 penalty notices have been issued in the north-east of Scotland.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “People recognise that it is their duty to adhere to these guidelines to protect their fellow citizens, ease the strain on the health service, and collectively save lives.

“Everyone must contribute to the national effort to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and I am grateful to the vast majority who have made significant changes to their daily habits and routines.

“Officers and the public must take a common sense approach to this unique emergency.

“We will always encourage compliance but, as a last resort, we will use the enforcement powers which are in place.

“I am clear that policing in Scotland gains its legitimacy and authority from the consent and support of the public. Everything we do will be done in a fair, reasonable, and proportionate manner.”

Police Scotland can issue penalty notices of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days, where they have reason to believe there has been an offence under the regulations.

Due to the exceptional nature of these powers, the regulations will be reviewed at least every 21 days to ensure they are still necessary.

So far, only one fine has been issued in the Highlands and Islands region.

Kate Forbes MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “I am delighted to see local residents in the Highlands and Islands following the guidelines and staying at home.

“It has never been so important to do as the First Minister and Prime Minister have asked, no matter your political persuasion. This is the only way to protect people and save lives.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf arrives for the Covid-19 emergency legislation debate at the Scottish Parliament.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf added: “Everyone should be staying at home wherever possible and I am hugely encouraged by the high levels of compliance around the country after the first week of these rules being in force.

“These rules are in place to slow down the spread of COVID-19 which will protect the NHS and save lives. While Police Scotland have powers of enforcement, I expect that these will be used only as a last resort, and that the vast majority of people will use their common sense and play a full part in this country-wide effort.”

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch added: “I would remind everyone that if you do have to leave your house for any of the essential reasons – food, medicine, care, exercise or work, and you absolutely cannot do them at home – then please stay two metres away from people you don’t live with, and keep human contact as limited as possible.”