Published: Wednesday, 29th April 2020
Cannock Chase Council is aware of an incident which took place within the Chadsmoor area on Saturday 25 April, during which a number of COVID-19 breaches and Public Order offences were committed.
The Council’s CCTV team supported Staffordshire Police who were trying to disperse a number of motorcyclists congregating in the local area. A Cannock man has since been jailed for 32 weeks after he admitted elbowing a police officer in the face and coughing into the face of a second officer stating he had COVID-19.
Another motorcyclist has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
The Council and local police have been working closely to address what occurred and are reminding residents that they cannot socialise with friends or relatives who do not live in the same household. This includes not meeting others, including neighbours outside, unless strict social distancing measures are followed.
The Council’s Community Safety Partnership has strong links with Staffordshire Police and has been working closely together to monitor the situation. The police have powers under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020, to issue fines of up to £960 if these rules are broken.
In addition, Council tenants are also being advised that they could be at risk of breaching their tenancy agreements if they don’t follow the guidance.
The Council’s CCTV team is continuing to support Staffordshire Police with the ongoing investigation.
Councillor George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council, said: “We acknowledge that this incident involved a small minority of people not adhering to the government guidelines. However, we must reiterate the essential need for everyone to stay at home, except for very limited reasons, in order to protect the NHS and to save lives.
“We would like you to be aware that you may be committing an offence if you are outside of the place where you live, without legitimate reason, or if you are in a public gathering of more than two people.
“The Council fully supports the actions taken by Staffordshire Police and hopes it will prevent any further breaches in the coming weeks. Please help to reduce the spread of Coronavirus and follow the rules set out by government and help save lives”.
Chief Inspector Becky Hyde, area commander of Cannock Chase Neighbourhood Policing Team, said “Officers were patrolling the area and became concerned when they saw a group of motorcyclists congregating.
“The approach was to offer advice and move these riders on so they would disperse, maintain social distancing and prevent anti-social behaviour problems. The individual resisted and then assaulted our officers resulting in a jail term.
“We want to work with our communities and, while the majority of people are being responsible, we will put those who think they can flout the regulations or harm our officers before the courts”.
The Council is working with its partners including local police, public health specialists at Staffordshire County Council and Public Health England to monitor and respond to the coronavirus situation. To find out more visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/coronavirus