Katie Hopkins has defended her decision to break lockdown rules to visit a garden centre and she's told police to focus on solving burglaries instead.
Last week, the controversial columnist sparked outrage when it was revealed she had gone for a spot of shopping at Plants Galore in Exeter, which has remained opened despite nationwide shop closures.
She was viciously trolled, and even got an online scolding from Devon and Cornwall polic.
However, Katie, 45, remains unrepentant and is adamant she is within her rights to buy plants and support local businesses which have chosen to stay open amid the coronavirus outbreak.
In an interview with DevonLive, she explained: "I absolutely think people should abide by the government rules; it’s important we do what we’re told.
"However, Plants Galore is also a hardware store. It sells pet food, as well as plants, so they have a right to be open.
"I don’t see how the public can justify any outrage about it being open when Aldi next door also sell plants.
"If you don’t agree with it being open and you think it’s dangerous then don’t go there. People have forgotten they have an option not to do something.
"I went to Plants Galore during one of my shopping trips. I maintained social distancing and visited Aldi next door and then I went to Plants Galore to show my support during lockdown.
"I’m a keen gardener and I think it’s very key for peoples’ health to go outside and have something to do."
After it was revealed she went shopping at a garden centre, Katie was tweeted by Devon and Cornwall police who urged her to stay at home.
The tweet read: "Hi Katie. Over 30 people have now sadly died of COVID-19 in Devon alone and their families are now living with their tragic loss.
"Now more than ever we need everyone to work with us to encourage people to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
"As a member of the Devon community, do the right thing and join the community effort to protect each other."
Katie has now insisted police should focus their efforts on solving crime - instead of enforcing lockdown rules.
She added: "Devon and Cornwall Police have been very quick to respond. I have heard of many other stories of aggressive policing where people have been going for a walk with their dog or buying a tomato plant, like I did, and being questioned by them.
“I would remind Devon and Cornwall Police that around two thirds of burglaries go unsolved. It would be great if they could put as much effort as policing someone buying tomato plants as policing someone who breaks into someone’s home.
“It is within my right to buy tomato plants, and we need to be supporting small businesses more than ever. I think the police have become over excited with coronavirus laws and their interpretation of them.”
She went on to criticise police for cracking down on those who aren't following lockdown rules, which state you should only leave your house to by essentials or for one daily dose of exercise.
