Policeman’s emotional Covid plea to rule-breakers

‘PLANE-WATCHING’ COUPLE TRAVELLED 13 MILES

A POLICE officer delivered an emotional plea about the Covid regulations to a couple from West Bridgford who were caught near East Midlands Airport claiming “they were watching planes”.

Officers from Leicestershire Police arrived at East Midlands Airport in the dark to find a couple sitting in a car.

They had travelled nearly 13 miles from their home address.

Bodycam footage shows the moment the officer approaches the car to ask the couple why they are near the airport during the third national lockdown.

The man says: “We are just watching planes.”

He then asks the couple where they are from and they say “West Bridgford”.

He tells them: “You’ve come from West Bridgford to watch planes? During lockdown? What are the rules at the moment?”

They both sheepishly reply: “Stay at home.”

The officer came across the car during a routine patrol.

He then decided to open up to the couple to ask them to think about their actions.

“Did you see how many people died yesterday? 1,800. A lot of folk are dying.”

He further explained: “My view is – I’m 34, my missus is 30 next week. She is a health care assistant at a hospital.

“I’ve had her in tears for the last two weeks because she honestly can’t watch people die any more.

“Please pay attention to the guidelines.

“Trust me, I don’t like being this bloke that stops and dishes tickets out to people who have never been in trouble with the law before.

“But people have got to stay safe.”

The couple were handed two fixed penalty notices, which are £200.

■ To watch the video go to nottinghampost.com