Human rights chief sent home from holiday cottage over lockdown breach:
LAWYER APOLOGISES AFTER COPS FOUND HER IN GWYNEDD PROPERTY ON CHRISTMAS DAY
THE chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission agreed to leave her North Wales holiday home on Christmas Day for breaching Covid-19 lockdown rules.
Rebecca Hilsenrath is believed to have made the four hour journey from her Hertfordshire home to her cottage in Llanegryn, Gwynedd, on December 18, one day before new Tier 3 restrictions put in place by Matt Hancock were due to come into force in England.
Despite this, Welsh guidance at the time did not permit travel into Wales without a reasonable excuse.
Travelling for a holiday was not considered an exception to this guidance .
Mrs Hilsenrath is said to have been spoken to by police following complaints from the local community.
She then agreed to return to England on December 25.
The lawyer has since apologised for making the trip, adding that she believed it was “allowed under the rules at that time”.
In a statement, she said: “I would like to apologise to the local community, where we feel deeply embedded, if I have caused anyone concern or worry at this difficult time.
“I travelled to our home in Wales before lockdown in the belief it was allowed under the rules at that time. As the situation changed and lockdown was imposed, our family did not join us.”
She added: “We did not realise that lockdown necessitated or even permitted our departure, and after a short and helpful conversation with the local police we agreed at once to leave on Christmas Day and did so without the need for further reminders.”
The chair of the commission, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, said it has not yet been decided whether further action will be taken.
She said: “I have been made aware that Rebecca travelled from her home in Hertfordshire to her second home in Wales. She has apologised for this error of judgement.
“I will establish all the facts before deciding if any further action is required.”
North Wales Police have been approached for comment.