Cut could be yet to come for hairdresser

SALON OWNER SUMMONED TO COURT OVER UNPAID FINES

LOCKDOWN rebel hairdresser Sinead Quinn now faces a court date over the £17,000 in unpaid fines she has racked up by repeatedly breaching Covid restrictions.

Ms Quinn, who runs Quinn Blakey Hairdressing in Oakenshaw, near Bradford, has been summoned to court and could face an unlimited fine if she is found guilty at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

The hearing is listed for August 13.

Kirklees Council confirmed in January that Ms Quinn had failed to pay anything towards multiple fixed penalty notices imposed last year for repeatedly flouting lockdown regulations.

She kept her salon open in 2020 when lockdown rules prevented it and has declared she will not wear a face mask or any form of personal protection equipment (PPE).

The authority has now put together a prosecution case.

If she’s found guilty, Ms Quinn could face an unlimited fine from the courts.

Hairdressers were among the non-essential businesses that were allowed to re-open by government last week.

In Kirklees the council has provided tailored PPE packs to local companies to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

It described PPE as ‘a really important line of defence’ against Covid.

A spokesperson said: “We make no apologies for putting the health and safety of residents first.

“PPE is a really important line of defence against the virus and could potentially save someone’s life. Not wearing it when necessary is selfish and irresponsible.

“Where we have to, we will work with police to take action against any business not using PPE.”

Referring directly to Ms Quinn, the spokesperson said: “We are currently awaiting a court date, after submitting a prosecution case against Ms Quinn for non-payment of fines after she repeatedly breached Covid restrictions by opening and trading during lockdown.

“It’s still vital that we follow all the guidance in place to keep each other safe. Thankfully, the vast majority of businesses and residents are doing this, and we will take action against those who don’t.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service attempted to contact Ms Quinn for comment.

Kirklees Council issues multiple fines totalling £17,000 for breaches of Covid restrictions.

Council issues a second £10,000 fine, which is later withdrawn after police confirm no customers were seen on the premises.

Council issues a closure notice. Council secures a court order to shut the salon.

Court serves anti-social behaviour injunction forbidding the opening of the salon or allowing customers on to the premises.

County Court orders payment of £2,455 costs to Kirklees Council.

Council says Ms Quinn is not eligible for a grant via the government’s Covid support scheme.