Nottingham student, 20, who hosted lockdown rule-breaking party is among first to pay £10,000 fine

Nottingham student, 20, who hosted lockdown rule-breaking party where revellers told police they were ‘spoiling our fun’ is among first to pay £10,000 super-fine

  • Third-year Nottingham Trent University student was handed fine on October 20
  • More than 30 people were found hiding at Lenton house in breach of Covid rules
  • Student has become first in Nottingham to pay the £10,000, police said today

A student who hosted a lockdown rule-breaking house party in Nottingham has become one of the first people in the country to pay a £10,000 super-fine.

Police said the 20-year-old is also the first person in the city to pay the sum – which is more than enough to cover an entire year’s tuition.

The third-year Nottingham Trent University student was handed a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after officers were called to a gathering at an address in Lenton on October 20 – where they discovered more than 30 people hiding in breach of coronavirus rules.

At the time, police reported that students attending the party told officers they were ‘spoiling our fun’ by breaking up the event on the eve of Tier 3 lockdown restrictions being imposed.

By that stage, mixing of households indoors had already been banned after the city entered Tier 2 restrictions on October 14.

Young adults also reportedly told police: ‘We should be having the time of our lives.’

Nottinghamshire Police said the 20-year-old had also become the first person in the force area to pay the sum – more than enough to cover an entire year’s tuition. Pictured: The scene of the party on Kimbolton Avenue, Lenton

The third-year Nottingham Trent University (pictured) student was handed a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after officers were called to a gathering at an address in Lenton

The third-year Nottingham Trent University (pictured) student was handed a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after officers were called to a gathering at an address in Lenton

The party was uncovered by Nottingham City Council-led community protection officers on a proactive patrol before police were called.

Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: ‘This should send out a warning to people that it is really not worth breaking the law when it comes to Covid legislation.

‘Most people in Nottinghamshire fully support and understand the reasons why the law is in place – to stop the NHS being overwhelmed by a wave of patients affected by the virus which thrives on social contact.

‘Sadly there is a minority for whom enforcement is left as the only option.’

The student was among four to be fined £10,000 following the house party on October 20. 

All were suspended by the university at the time and faced further disciplinary action including expulsion pending the outcome of an investigation.  

A spokesperson for Nottingham Trent University said in October: ‘We have been notified by Nottinghamshire Police this morning that they have imposed £10K fines on NTU students. 

At the time, police reported that students attending the party told officers they were 'spoiling our fun' by breaking up the event on October 20 last year, on the eve of Tier 3 lockdown restrictions being imposed. Pictured:  Nottingham Trent University

At the time, police reported that students attending the party told officers they were ‘spoiling our fun’ by breaking up the event on October 20 last year, on the eve of Tier 3 lockdown restrictions being imposed. Pictured:  Nottingham Trent University

‘On receipt of that notification we immediately launched an investigation, and each student has been suspended pending the outcome of our investigation. 

‘Any student who is found to have breached our disciplinary regulations can face a range of sanctions, up to and including expulsion.’

Up to December 20, 196 fines for gatherings of more than 30 people were handed out in England, and two in Wales.

It is understood that a small number have so far been paid, and around half still have time left in the 28-day payment period.

Police expect some to be challenged in court where the amount paid can be means-tested.

All FPN payments issued under coronavirus legislation on behalf of police in England and Wales are processed by the ACRO Criminal Records Office, with the money distributed to local authorities.

Those fined can choose to pay to avoid going to court, but recipients are also advised that a means-testing route is available in court.

On Tuesday, a senior police chief said almost 45,000 fines have been issued to people across the UK for breaching Covid-19 laws.

National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman (NPCC) Martin Hewitt also warned that officers will not ‘waste time’ trying to reason with people who have ‘no regard’ for the safety of others.