Top Tory Martin Parsons, Deputy Chairman Political, of Devizes Conservative Association, has accused Wiltshire Police of ‘misconduct in public office and contempt of court’ over the way his son was fined £10,000 for holding a house party which allegedly breached COVID 19 rules.
The result of this case could have massive implications for other COVID regulation fines imposed throughout the whole country.
Mr Parsons reluctantly admitted ‘a series of formal complaints of a serious nature’ had been made to Wiltshire Police.
The force announced on its Facebook page that the £10,000 fine was imposed after its officers were called to a house in Wick Lane, Devizes, on September 4, when more than 80 people had turned up to a party but many were allegedly gate crashers.
He said his son had ‘put in an appeal’ against the huge fine although he said the police ‘have not issued a summons’.
His son is thought to have subsequently gone to university.
Speaking on the doorstep of the house where the party had taken place, Mr Parsons said: “I have made a formal complaint to them (the police) that they have published completely false information, not just on that, but on a number of issues which potentially compromises a future court case.
“What Wiltshire Police put on their Facebook page is subject to a formal complaint and is being investigated by Professional Standards.”
Mr Parsons – who stressed the fine was against his son – went on: “That complaint is of misconduct in public office and contempt of court. That actually is a much more serious offence than COVID fines.”
He added: “Prejudicing a court case by publishing false information is a serious criminal offence. A series of formal complaints of a serious nature have been made to Wiltshire Police. They need to decide what they are going to do.”
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said people receiving fines are expected to have appealed within the 28 day period.
”People who have been fined have 28 days to pay. If they don’t pay within 28 days they will receive a summons to court. The court will then make a ruling as to what happens next.
“The Magistrates Court will hear any appeal against the fine.”
On October 25, it appeared the person fined could get a last minute reprieve.
Under the regulations, the appeal had to be made by October 2. But before the appeal was sent to Swindon Magistrates for a public court hearing, it was referred back to Wiltshire Police to see if it wanted to proceed. It appears the police have yet to contact the court to arrange the appeal.
All Wiltshire Police would say was: ”It would be inappropriate for us to comment on this as it remains ongoing as do the subsequent enquiries around the complaint we have received.”