A COUNTY Durham man has been handed a fine of over £400 after taking part in a gathering when the region was under strict ‘tier four’ Covid-19 lockdown measures.

Christopher Brown, 32, of Holmlea, Burnhope, Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Friday (May 6) – charged with ‘participating in gathering of two or more people in private dwelling / indoors in tier 4 area.’  

The 32-year-old’s court appearance relates to an incident on March 6, 2021, on Nightingale Place, Stanley, after he attended a gathering at a private house.

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At the time, tier four restrictions meant that no one could meet inside, and even hospitality venues were closed, aside from takeaway and drive-through.

In court documents, it states that “On 06/03/2021 at Stanley, in the County of Durham, without reasonable excuse and other than as permitted by the Regulations, participated in a gathering in the Tier 4 area of County Durham, which took place in a private dwelling, namely Nightingale Place, and consisted of two or more people.”

At court, Brown was fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34, and crown prosecution costs of £200 – all totalling £434.

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