£10k fine for fireworks tribute to crash victims
HUNDREDS ATTENDED EVENT ORGANISED BY A FRIEND
A MAN has been issued with a £10,000 fine under coronavirus laws after organising a gathering of hundreds of people in Derbyshire.
The event was organised to pay tribute to the lives of two young men killed in a crash on the M1.
Police say the 23-year-old who has been fined placed messages on social media encouraging people to attend the event after one of his friends died in a crash on Sunday, April 4.
Two people aged 20 and 22 – named locally as Codeye and Tyrone – died in the crash between junctions 30 and 31 on the M1, near Chesterfield.
South Yorkshire Police said the driver of the Golf is believed to have lost control, causing the car to leave the road and hit the barrier and several trees before coming to rest on its roof.
More than 400 people attended the gathering near Shirebrook Leisure Centre on Monday, April 5, at around 8pm.
Large numbers of fireworks were set off by the group and the force received dozens of calls from local people. Officers attended and sent the group away. Following enquiries, including numerous videos found of the gathering on social media, the man who has received the ticket was identified as the organiser. Under coronavirus rules, police have the power to fine people responsible for large gatherings. The event happened during a time when strict lockdown restrictions were still in place in England.
Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett, who leads policing in the north of the county, said: “Over the last year thousands of people have lost loved ones and have been unable to grieve in the way they would normally be able to.
“We understand how hard this and my heart goes out to all those who find themselves in a situation that means they are unable to say goodbye.
“However, coronavirus still remains a very real risk to public health with restrictions on certain gatherings still in place and we will continue to use enforcement measures where necessary to protect the public.”
Coronavirus still remains a very real risk to public health with restrictions on certain gatherings. Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett