A MAN who travelled to Bournemouth from an area of Surrey which was in Tier 4 Covid restrictions committed a "clear and blatant breach" of the rules shortly after Christmas.

Jonathan David Parrott, aged 20 and of Ambleside Crescent, Farnham, was in Dorset on December 28, 2020.

The defendant appeared in the dock at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 17, in relation to an allegation brought under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020.

He was also charged with possession of 5.6 grams of cannabis, a quantity of Xanax tablets and being drunk and disorderly in St Peter’s Road.

Parrott admitted all of the offences and was handed fines totalling £360, which included a £200 penalty for the Covid breach.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £36 surcharge. The drugs were to be forfeited and destroyed.

The Waverley Borough Council area, which includes Farnham, was moved into Tier 4 restrictions from midnight on December 26.

At the time of Parrott’s Covid breach, the BCP Council area was in Tier 2.

Bournemouth Echo: Jonathan David Parrott, aged 20 and of Ambleside Crescent, FarnhamJonathan David Parrott, aged 20 and of Ambleside Crescent, Farnham

Tier 4 measures meant people were not allowed to leave their area, with a strong “stay at home” requirement and no household mixing allowed.

The BCP Council area was moved into Tier 4 restrictions on December 31, just days before the introduction of the current national lockdown.

Chief Inspector Ashley Adams, of Dorset Police, said: “Jonathan Parrott knowingly travelled from a Tier 4 area in Surrey to Dorset, which was in Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions at the time of the incident.

“This was a clear and blatant breach of the restrictions that will not be tolerated.

“We must all continue to stick with the rules and not become complacent. These restrictions are in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect the NHS and save lives.”