University of Portsmouth student faces court date over house party at Margaret Rule hall of residence

Police say that they have reported a 19-year-old man for summons after several reports of a large party at a halls of residence on Friday.

As reported, police were called at about 12.45am to the party. Later it spilled out into Isambard Brunel Road and was described by onlookers as a rave on the street.

A spokeswoman said: ‘We were initially called at 12.46am following a report that a large group of people were attending a party at Margaret Rule Halls, in Isambard Brunel Road which was in contravention with health regulations.

‘We attended and saw a large group of people in the street, who then dispersed.

‘We were then called back to the same area at around 2.47am, following reports that around 40 people were having a party in the street and not observing social distancing.’

At first police issued a dispersal order and since then have reported a 19-year-old for summons.

The man has been reported for:

- Contravening the requirement not to hold, or be involved in holding, a gathering of more than 30 people in a dwelling

- Contravening requirement to not participate in a gathering of more than six people

Chief Inspector Rob Mitchell said: ‘We would like to remind people that officers have the power to issue £10,000 fines to the organisers of large gatherings, and people attending can be fined £200 for a first offence.

‘The amount of the fine is determined depending on the evidence.

SEE ALSO: How Portsmouth’s coronavirus infection rate compares to the rest of Hampshire

‘Everyone has to do their bit to limit the spread of the virus. Our approach has always been to engage, explain and encourage people to act responsibly, but we won’t hesitate to use enforcement action where necessary.

‘On this occasion, enforcement action has been necessary and this is a reminder that we will take action.

‘We will continue to work with the university so that students understand the regulations. We know that most are doing everything they can to keep one another and their community safe.’

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Professor Graham Galbraith said: ‘I want to be clear that any student found to have broken the laws in place will face swift disciplinary action by the university as well as any fines that may be issued by the police. The restrictions in place are there for the protection of all. We must play our part in the university and city community by adhering them.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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