Corby Covidiots fined for breaking lockdown during virus peak

A string of people from Corby who refused to obey strict lockdown regulations during the height of the virus in the spring have had their cases heard by magistrates.

The individuals who broke emergency legislation that allowed people to leave home only for exercise, essential shopping or for work had their cases heard under the single justice procedure before Northampton Magistrates last Friday (December 11).

Kurt Bailey of Chandos House, Queen's Square, Corby, was ordered to pay £344 in fines and costs for being out at Seaford Walk on May 4 when there was no lawful reason for him to be there.

Andre Macfoy, 26, was ordered to pay £344 after being away from his Grantham Walk home on May 3.

Seanna McPherson, 23, of Beanfield Avenue was also ordered to pay £344 after being caught in Lynton Grove for no lawful reason on May 9.

Andrew Rae, 52, now of Dorking Walk, Corby, was fined £220 for being in away from the place he was living in Northbrook, Corby, on April 29. Then again on May 3 when he was living at Scarborough Walk he was caught in Dingley. He was fined a further £220 for that offence and also ordered to pay £90 costs and £44 victim surcharge.

Andrew Skinner, 26, of Clun Walk, Corby was ordered to pay £344 in fines and costs after being in Seaford Walk for no lawful reason on May 4.

Benjamin Smith, 35, was told to pay £220 for being in Kettering, away from his Scarborough Walk home, on April 28, then another £220 for being out again the following day on April 29. And on May 3 he was found in Dingley without lawful reason and fined £220. He was also ordered to pay £66 in victim surcharges and £90 in costs.

The emergency regulations were brought in on March 23 after Covid cases soared, threatening to overwhelm the NHS. There were only a handful of reasons for people being allowed out of their homes.

Initially police used an education and engagement approach to breaches, and fined only those who persistently broke lockdown laws.