Kent Man First in County Charged for Flouting Covid-19 Rules
Repeated Breaches Lead to Arrest
Kent Police have dealt their first legal blow in the county over Covid-19 rule-breaking. Jagjit Sidhu, 58, from Gravesend, faces charges after allegedly ignoring Government social distancing guidelines multiple times.
Ignoring Police Warnings
Officers visited Sidhu’s home on Peacock Street on 21 April 2020. Despite numerous efforts to persuade him to follow the lockdown rules, he supposedly refused to comply and was arrested. Police had already warned Sidhu several times between 14 and 20 April.
Serious Charges Ahead
Sidhu is charged under new Coronavirus legislation for breaking movement restrictions and failing to return home when instructed. On top of this, he faces a separate count of being drunk and disorderly in public. He’s been bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 17 June 2020.
Police Warn Public: Follow the Rules
Chief Inspector Neil Loudon, Kent Police’s North Kent District Commander, said: “This is our first charge related to Covid-19 law breaches. Our officers try hard to engage and educate offenders, using enforcement only as a last resort. This is a tough time for everyone, especially the police, so we urge people to stick to Government guidance.”
