Police issue NINE £10,000 fines at illegal parties in Sheffield

Parties that saw the maximum fixed penalties issued included events at properties on Endcliffe Crescent, Club Garden Road and Stalker Lees Road on Saturday evening (October 31).

Police across the UK were given the power to issue £10,000 fines in August after high profile rave parties attracting hundreds of people were held in towns and cities across the country.

After attending each property, officers from South Yorkshire Police dispersed the gatherings, spoke to the occupants and issued fines to organisers.

Superintendent Paul McCurry, said: “We fully appreciate how difficult the last few months have been and this current situation is incredibly frustrating for everyone, however organising house parties at a time when the infection rate is rising so rapidly is extremely irresponsible.

“Hospital admissions are continuing to increase and in order for these to slow down, we must reduce the spread of the virus between different households.”

Police said the parties had all been pre-organised, with one hosting in excess of 70 people. At one location, a woman is captured on body-worn video, in fancy dress, stating that she should be at home self-isolating.

Issuing a warning to others, Supt McCurry continued: “Now more than ever, we all need to do our bit to slow the spread of this virus, and protect our health service. I hope that this serves as a warning that where necessary, we will take action against those who show a clear disregard for the measures which are in place to protect others.”

In the early hours of Sunday, officers arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of obstructing a police officer at an illegal rave at a disused warehouse in Kelham Island which attracted more than 300 people.

Officers also seized a sound system worth thousands of pounds at the party and are currently carrying out enquiries to locate the organiser.

Elsewhere in the county, twenty £200 notices were issued in Ingbirchworth, Barnsley after police disbanded a gathering in the early hours of Saturday morning.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.