Covid-breach homes ‘shut down’ by cops
TWO properties in Manchester where large crowds of ‘selfish’ revellers attended house parties during lockdown – including one attacked by a gunman – have been shut down.
A closure order was issued against a student house in Fallowfield on March 5 after police and the city council received several complaints from neighbours.
The main occupier of the property on Brailsford Road received a £10,000 fine for hosting an illegal gathering attended by around 40 people on February 26.
It is the second time the occupant has been fined for breaching Covid rules at the premises, which has been visited by Greater Manchester Police twice last October.
Officers handed out 32 fixed penalty notices at the most recent party which prompted four separate calls from residents living nearby.
The closure order granted by Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court will last for three months until June 5.
Until then no one can enter the house apart from the owner, the two tenants, emergency services and contractors.
Breaching the closure order could lead to imprisonment for up to three months or an unlimited fine – or both.
A similar order was also obtained for a house in Wythenshawe which has been subject to several reports of large gatherings, loud music and antisocial behaviour since December.
Police were called out to the house on Fairway Avenue on February
27 after hearing that around 60 people were inside the property where loud music, rowdy behaviour and fighting were also reported.
Several gunshots were also fired at the premises in a suspected targeted attack, which is being investigated by police.
The house, which had been rented out on a short-term let, will be closed until June 4 to anyone except the owner, emergency services and contractors.
In both cases Manchester council was granted court costs against the owners of each property.
Deputy leader, Coun Nigel Murphy said: “These two cases highlight the unbelievable disregard a small minority have for the Covid regulations, which are in place to save lives.
“Their behaviour is nothing short of selfish at a time where our NHS and emergency services are putting themselves at risk to keep us safe.
“Manchester council will continue to work closely with GMP and other community safety partners to crack down on this sort of behaviour, and we will not hesitate in using the full extent of our powers to tackle people who are content in putting lives at risk.
“I hope these cases act as a warning to others who flout the rules.”