A Mildura man has been ordered to pay $400 into a court fund for breaking isolation rules five times in five hours during COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions.
James Casey, 20, appeared at the Mildura Magistrates Court today charged with failing to comply with the Victorian Chief Health Officer's direction after police found him loitering around Mildura from midnight to 6:00am on April 18 and 19.
The court heard Casey was first stopped by police while he was walking along Tenth Street about 12:50am.
When asked why he was out, Casey told officers he was "exercising", but then said he had been at a friend's house drinking and celebrating his 20th birthday.
Police found Casey out again about three hours later walking along Eighth Street and Deakin Avenue.
The court heard Casey then entered the Mildura police station and asked for the directions to a supermarket.
Police reminded him of COVID-19 restrictions and Casey claimed he was "going for a jog".
Casey was spotted by police about 50 minutes later at an intersection and ran into a nearby high school.
Police stopped the 20-year-old, who was carrying an open can of alcohol, and questioned why he was out. He again replied he was jogging.
Police reminded him of the numerous warnings he had already been given throughout the evening and was given a caution.
The court heard police spotted Casey twice more, drinking on the Deakin Avenue roadway in the space of one hour from 6:00am.
He was then arrested and charged.
Casey, who represented himself in court, pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $400.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan also ordered Casey complete a six-month good behaviour bond.
In sentencing, Mr Coghlan took into account Casey's age and inability to afford the full infringement of $1,600. The court also heard he had no criminal record.
M Coghlan told Casey his actions were "foolish" and that he could potentially have jeopardised the health of others doing the right thing.
