Covid fines for ‘intoxicated’ teens on park

THREE Covid fines have been issued after police found a large group of teenagers in a Derby park.

Officers were called to Allestree Park at around 9.15pm on Friday, March 12, where they found the group “intoxicated with a large amount of alcohol”.

Three were given fines for Covid-19 related breaches, while the others present were moved on from the park near Duffield Road.

A spokeswoman for Derbyshire police said: “Our officers received a call just after 9.15pm on Friday, March 12 about a large group gathered at Allestree Park.

“Three fines for Covid-19 related breaches were handed out, and others moved on and dispersed. All members of the group were aged in their teens.”

Lockdown restrictions remain in force in England, meaning people must stay at home except for essential trips such as exercising, food shopping and work.

Allestree Police SNT took to social media to share details of the incident after officers were called to reports of anti-social behaviour.

Part of the SNT’s post on Facebook said: “Last night, our team attended Allestree Park following reports of anti-social behaviour. When the team got there a large group of teenagers were located intoxicated with a large amount of alcohol.”

Allestree councillors have welcomed the action taken by police. A spokesman said: “Green open spaces are vitally important for everyone to enjoy, especially during the current restrictions and those that abuse such spaces do so to the detriment of others and that is unacceptable.

“We are glad to say complaints of such unacceptable behaviour have not risen above the level of previous periods of restrictions.

“Allestree councillors will continue their close working relationships with all agencies in order to bring about benefits to residents and the ward whenever possible.”