Ramsey man jailed after breaching Coronavirus restrictions

A Ramsey man who’s alleged to have hosted three other households in his flat didn’t realise it was illegal under lockdown rules, a court’s heard.

Scott Eric Carbutt of Parliament Street appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Christopher Arrowsmith at Douglas Courthouse via a live video link from jail in Jurby.

He admitted breaching coronavirus restrictions by taking part in an illegal gathering.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon said police were called to his flat at around 1am on April 3 after reports of a disturbance, and found a number of people inside the property who didn’t live there.

The 39 year old was later arrested, but is said to have become belligerent and abusive towards officers – who had to use incapacitant spray to subdue him.

Carbutt’s advocate said her client didn’t know indoor mixing of households was illegal after restrictions were relaxed by the government.

Mr Arrowsmith said his actions had put the Island at risk of remaining in lockdown longer than was necessary, and jailed him for four weeks.