Boater facing 'substantial' fines for breaching coronavirus rules

THE boater who organised a party on his boat on the Lee Navigation has been warned he faces 'substantial' fines for breaching coronavirus regulations after police broke up two illegal parties on his boat.

Jordy Nicholas Van Duijvenbode admitted at Stratford Magistrates' Court on Friday to holding a gathering of more than 30 people and a second charge of a gathering of two or more people in an indoor space, Alan Tilbury reports.

Collected around £500

He collected around £500 for the parties on his boat Nebuchadrezza on the two occasions in February, the 5th and 13th during lockdown.

If he had allowed it to be dealt with in February it would have ended with an £800 penalty notice, but did not, which resulted in the court case where he was told 'the fines you are facing are going to be substantial'.

Van Duijvenbode was bailed to next appear at the same court on 4th June for sentencing.