PSNI hand out Covid fines totaling £11k at Holyland house parties overnight

By Q Radio News

Police have issued Covid fines totalling £11,000 within just eight hours in south Belfast. 

Officers attended a number of parties in the Holylands area between 8pm last night and 4am this morning. 

Almost 80 Covid notices were issued including to three people under the age of 18. 

One person below the age of 16 was taken home to their parents. 

Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said: “Last night and into the early hours of this morning, officers attended addresses where large numbers of young adults had gathered. 

“We also responded to a number of reports of groups of young people, playing music loudly and drinking in the street.”

Officers attended a number of addresses to provide advice and guidance around potential breaches of Covid-19 health regulations. 

They also issued 55 Covid 4 notices were issued alongside 19 Covid 2 notices. 

“Three people under 18 years of age received community resolution notices and one 16 year old was brought home to their parents,” Chief Inspector Kirkpatrick added. 

“We have also begun preparing files to be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service regarding the behaviour of 14 individuals who had previously received a Covid 4 notice.

“We deployed significant resources yesterday into the early hours of this morning, as a result of the behaviour of some people staying in or visiting this residential area.”
The officer confirmed a plan for policing St Patrick’s Day has been forward and is now underway allowing for additional resources to be dedicated to the area.

“We will also continue to liaise with colleagues from each of the Universities, Further Education colleges, Belfast City Council and other agencies as we work together to address this issue,” he added. 

“It is disappointing and difficult to understand how some people think the current health regulations and restrictions do not apply to them. 

"It is also apparent that some parents and guardians need to take more of an interest in what their young people are doing. 

:This is a residential area and understandably, local people are fed up having to live with this type of behaviour.

“Our message is very clear.  All students or anyone visiting the Holyland area must follow the latest Covid 19 health and safety advice and specific guidance regarding houses of multiple occupancy provided by the universities.”

The PSNI has promised to respond to every report and every incident in a proportionate manner. 

“aThat can mean issuing a penalty notice, a community restorative notice, ultimately through to arrest. In the case of the behaviour of some students, we will also make referrals to their educational establishment, and this could have a significant impact on their educational career.”