Boy, 13, is arrested for breaking new coronavirus lockdown laws

by


Boy, 13, is arrested for breaking new coronavirus lockdown laws after refusing to give his name to police

  • The teenager was taken into custody by officers in Leeds on Saturday morning 
  • His mother was also reprimanded for being responsible person failing to comply
  • It comes after hundreds of people continue to flout strict government advice
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

By Raven Saunt For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for breaking the new coronavirus lockdown laws after he refused to give his name to police.

The teenager was taken into custody after being spotted by officers in Leeds on Saturday morning. 

He was detained under the new law, known as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020, which enables police to order members of the public to go home or leave an area. 

The teenager was detained under a new law which enables police to order members of the public to go home or leave an area. Pictured: Officer talking to cyclists at Regents Park in London yesterday as he enforced the national coronavirus lockdown

Senior Section Officer for West Yorkshire Police Ste Richardson posted a tweet, that has since been deleted, which read: ‘Today I arrested a 13-year-old male under the new coronavirus powers.

‘The male refused to give me any details so I could take him home under the Act. He was arrested and taken to custody.

‘His mother was dealt with for being a responsible person failing to comply.’

West Yorkshire Police have been contacted for comment. 

It comes after hundreds of people have continued to flout strict government advice about social distancing and staying indoors.

It comes after hundreds of people have continued to flout strict government advice about social distancing and staying indoors. Pictured: Police officer from North Yorkshire Police ensured that motorists were complying with the Government's lockdown restrictions

It comes after hundreds of people have continued to flout strict government advice about social distancing and staying indoors. Pictured: Police officer from North Yorkshire Police ensured that motorists were complying with the Government’s lockdown restrictions

Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh (pictured) said that parents should be fined if their teenagers are found outside during lockdown

Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh (pictured) said that parents should be fined if their teenagers are found outside during lockdown 

Those who defy the tough restrictions on movement could now be hit with a £60 fine initially and £120 for a second offence reaching £1,000-plus for repeat offenders, the Home Office warned.   

And refusing to provide a name and address to avoid being given a fine is an arrestable offence. 

The Metropolitan Police Federation stated yesterday hat it wanted parents to be fined if their teenage children breach coronavirus lockdown as other forces seek stronger powers to enforce government rules.  

Ken Marsh, the head of the Federation, which represents 30,000 officers in the capital, said police cannot currently enforce government advice for groups of teenagers who refused police instruction to go home and isolate.  

A man wears a mask during a walk as Sussex Police patrol the promenade in Brighton during the coronavirus lockdown yesterday

A man wears a mask during a walk as Sussex Police patrol the promenade in Brighton during the coronavirus lockdown yesterday

Home Office reveals new powers to tackle people flouting the coronavirus lockdown 

  • Up to two years in prison if you cough deliberately on someone after spate of attacks on emergency service workers;
  • People who flout lockdown rules will be breaking the law and can be arrested as part of new enforcement powers; 
  • Officers can tell them to go home, leave or disperse an area and ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking the law. Those who refuse to comply could be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £60; 
  • Second-time offenders could be issued a fixed penalty notice of £120, doubling on each further repeat offence;
  • Those who do not pay the penalty can be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose fines of £1,000 or more. 

‘We’ve got to take them home, but when we take them home, why can’t we fine their parents? Otherwise, what’s the deterrent?’, Marsh said, according to the Observer. 

If police numbers reduce due to officers becoming infected by COVID-19, Marsh thinks it will take three to four days before London becomes difficult to police.

Marsh said that depending on the weather, this weekend ‘will be the acid test’. 

He added that the UK’s policing by consent causes additional difficulties, as police can’t threaten the public, relying on educating them of government advice to stay inside. 

The advised safe distance of two metres could also present challenges in coming days, Marsh said, as officers are supposed to follow the guidance, making arrests difficult. 

Marsh’s comments come as Britain’s coronavirus death toll rocketed to 1,228 today as the UK suffered its worst day yet and saw a huge spike in victims.  

Boris Johnson is to warn the nation in a letter that tougher measures to ensure lockdown is adhered could be on their way. 

Amid allegations of confusing messages on the lockdown, the leaflet will outline the Government’s rules on leaving the house and advice on shielding vulnerable people.

A clear explanation of the symptoms will also be included as will guidance on hand washing.