Kensington woman who threw illegal New Year’s Eve party faces £10,000 fine

A WOMAN who threw an illegal party on New Year’s Eve in Kensington attended by more than 100 people now faces a £10,000 fine.

The penalty, which is the toughest a person can be given for flouting Covid-19 rules, comes after police officers dispersed a large group who had gathered outside the address on Exhibition Road at around 11.30pm on Thursday (December 31).

It’s believed the revellers were attempting to gain entry to the party so they were blocked from entering.

Officers believed there was a large gathering inside the premises but the occupants refused to allow entry.

As a result police revisited the property on Monday (January 4) and informed the organiser that her actions had breached the Health Protection Regulations 2020. She was then told she now faces a £10,000 penalty.

Acting Inspector Ganesh Rasaratnam, from the Met’s Central West Basic Command Unit, said: “We are in the middle of a pandemic, and restrictions have been put in place to keep our families, friends and communities safe.

“The organiser, and those who attended, deliberately breached the restrictions and decided that the rules did not apply to them.

“We will continue to take tough action against those who think they are above the law and put others in danger with this sort of reckless behaviour.

“Thankfully, many people across London have put much of their own lives on hold as they do their bit to follow the guidance and reduce Covid infections.

“The large majority have behaved admirably and should be proud of themselves for helping play their part as we all fight this health crisis.”