Parents fined after children caught breaching lockdown rules

Officers have been carrying out high visibility patrols in and around the areas of Peterlee, Blackhall, Wingate, Thornley and Wheatley Hill over the weekend of February 20 and 21.

As part of their patrols, Peterlee Police issued a number of parents with Fixed Penalty Notices after their children were found breaching Covid-19 restrictions in Shotton Colliery.

Under lockdown restrictions it is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

You cannot leave home for recreational or leisure purposes, such as for a picnic or a social meeting, but you can exercise with one person from another household outdoors.

The Prime Minister is due to announce steps to easing the coronavirus lockdown during a Downing Street briefing at 7pm on Monday, February 22.

He is expected to confirm that pupils in all years can go back to the classroom from March 8 and socialising in public spaces with one other person will also be permitted in a fortnight.

Over the weekend Peterlee Police also patrolled the coastal routes of Blackhall and Crimdon to ensure all visiting the area were adhering to the current Covid-19 restrictions.

How much are fines for breaching lockdown rules?

*Anyone caught breaking rules on meeting people could face a fine of £200 for the first offence and then doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

*Anyone involved in holding an illegal gathering of over 30 people can be fined £10,000.

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