University of Portsmouth students fined £13,600 after 17 gathered for party at Catherine House

Shortly after 1.30am on Saturday, February 20, police officers were called to Catherine House in Stanhope Road, Portsmouth, after security guards identified a party taking place in the building.

They were found out after three men entered the building without ID and security investigated.

Police were called and officers found 17 people, all between 18 and 21, at a party. All were given £800 fixed penalty notices.

It comes after a similar incident in January at the same accommodation block, when 25 students were found partying at 3am.

Hampshire Constabulary says it has highlighted the incidents to serve as a reminded to the public of what happens when you break the national restrictions.

Superintendent Phil Lamb said: ‘While a roadmap to exiting this period of national restrictions is being announced by the government, it is important to remember that the current health protection regulations are still in place until the restrictions are lifted. Anyone who does not follow the regulations faces enforcement action.

‘The risk of transmission of the virus is still very real and those who have received a vaccination should not presume they are exempt from the rules either. The message remains simple, you should stay at home, unless you have a valid reason for going out.

‘It’s disappointing to see that we’re still having to take enforcement action at gatherings like this.’

Superintendent Lamb added that the ‘vast majority’ of students have continued to stick to the national restrictions.

Under the current national restrictions you should not be meeting with anyone outside of your household or support bubble, either indoors or outdoors, to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Police officers have also responded to a similar incident in Southampton, fining 10 people at an accommodation block in St Mary's Road on February 3.

Supt Lamb said: ‘Limiting the spread of infection is everybody’s responsibility, and not just down to the police or enforcement.

‘We will continue to work with our health colleagues, businesses, government, hospitality owners, local authorities, universities, and others, as we ensure that we all play our part in keeping our communities as safe as possible throughout the pandemic.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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