Dad who had 50 guests to baby’s christening party begs cops for ‘one more hour’ before being fined £10k
A DAD who had 50 guests at a baby’s christening party begged cops for “one more hour” has been slapped with a £10,000 fine.
West Midlands Police broke up the party in Wolverhampton – with guests travelling from as far as London.
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The party on Saturday included hired marquees, DJ decks and live musicians, police said.
Bodycam footage released by police shows the organiser begging cops: “Oh my god, I spent too much money on this party. Give me one hour.”
Police then told him the party had to end, and the organiser said: “I know but I don’t believe in this virus because it’s no harm.”
When the organiser was told about the £10,000 fine, he replied: “I cannot pay that.”
Police said it was the first such “super fine” to be handed out in Wolverhampton.
‘I CAN’T PAY THAT’
When officers first arrived at the home, the organiser said: “I’m christening my small baby. We’re having a little bit of a party.”
The male then claimed there were 20 people attending, however officers counted well over 40 party-goers for themselves.
Under Wolverhampton’s Tier 2 restrictions, household mixing is banned indoors and the rule of six applies outdoors.
The city’s current infection rate is 639 cases reported in the seven days up to October 26, according to NHS data.
Superintendent Simon Inglis, of West Midlands Police, called the pre-planned party “a reckless breach” of rules “when the deadly virus is spreading”.
He added: “This is not about stopping people’s fun and celebrations but it is about saving lives from this awful virus.
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“The vast majority are following the guidelines and having to make personal sacrifices.
“There are people unable to attend funerals and say goodbye to loved ones while abiding by the restrictions.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton city council’s public health cabinet member, said residents “will be as disgusted as I am at the actions of others who, through their thoughtlessness, are putting people’s lives at risk”.