A 24-year-old man caught breaching Covid-19 restrictions on three separate occasions has been fined at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.

The court heard on March 12, 2021, at around 11pm police were called to an address in Maguiresbridge where there were reports a party was taking place.

The officers were invited into the household and observed several people from different households mixing including the defendant, Christopher South, of Drumhirk Road, Lisbellaw. Covid notices were issued and the party was broken up with people leaving in taxis to go home.

The court heard South had already breached restrictions in January of this year.

In the early hours of March 13, police were tasked to Main Street, Lisbellaw to reports of another party. Upon arrival, they could hear music and voices.

They were granted access to the property and observed alcohol in the property and music being played.

There were 10 people from eight different households present.

The prosecution told the court that it appeared South had left one party and went to another and was subsequently arrested and charged with Covid breaches and charged to court.

Almost a month later, on April 11, police on patrol in Irvinestown were stopped by a member of the public who reported seeing a man climb out of the window of a property.

Police called at the property which was occupied by a couple who said they had rented it out and were part of each other's bubble.

While speaking to the couple, South arrived bare-chested and bare-footed with only grey trousers on and was identified as the person seen leaving the address.

He had red eyes, was unsteady on his feet, and was arrested for breach restrictions.

Gary Black, representing South, said his client had been compliant with restrictions for a significant time but "his guard had slipped" in recent months.

He added that Covid had cost South his job and had affected his mental health and he had reached out due to lack of social engagement.

Mr. Black said his client accepted the breach and was remorseful for his actions.

South was fined £450 by District Judge Steven Keown for the breaches of Coronavirus restrictions.