In the past 24 hours, three men have been dealt with under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19, with one charged and two others issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
Yesterday's charge:
• About 3am yesterday (Wednesday 6 May 2020), officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command responded to reports three people were arguing on The Kingsway, Gymea. As police arrived, two men – aged 18 and 21 – ran from the location and were located nearby hiding behind a parked car. The men and a woman were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being out. When an officer identified one of the men as being wanted for a recent stealing offence, he allegedly ran from the area, pursued on foot by police, who arrested him after a short struggle near Gymea Railway Station. The 21-year-old man was taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with resist officer in the execution of duty and larceny. He has been refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 7 May 2020). Checks revealed the 18-year-old man had previously received numerous warnings and was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 - COVID-19. He is due to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday 29 July 2020. The 22-year-old woman was given a warning for the breach of the Ministerial Directions.
Yesterday's PINs:
• Just before 3pm (Wednesday 6 May 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling George Street, when they observed three men sitting on the footpath near Railway Square. When police approached, one man became aggressive, stating the laws did not apply to him and allegedly continued to shout and swear. He was arrested and moved away from the other two men while checks were conducted, which revealed he had previously received a warning. The 48-year-old man was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN, while the other two men were issued warnings.
• About 6.40pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling when they stopped to speak with a 43-year-old man who was sitting on a bench outside Blacktown Library. Checks revealed the man had previously been warned by police on three separate occasions for breaching Ministerial Directions. After the man could not provide a reasonable excuse for being at the location, he was issued a $1000 PIN.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence.
