A woman who held a balloon release tribute in memory of her late father-in-law has been charged to appear in court where she faces a £10,000 fine.
Vicki Hutchinson, 34, is accused of holding a gathering of more than 30 people in Peterlee, County Durham, while under tier four of coronavirus restrictions on 14 November.
The maximum fine for the offence is £10,000, reports TeessideLive.
Ms Hutchinson's father-in-law, former miner Ian Stephenson, died from Covid-19 last November at the age of 58.
Family and friends gathered to release balloons on what would have been his 59th birthday.
A letter arrived at Ms Hutchinson's home – where she lives with partner James – this week, explaining she is charged to appear at magistrates' court.
She said: "I understand we were in tier four but to hit a family who have just lost their father, how are you expecting families to pay these sort of fines?
"I asked people to social distance and wear a mask, I thought if everybody was distanced I didn't see what the problem would be.
"I thought with it being outside there was lots of social distancing on a massive field at St Mary's Church.
She added: "I'm not paying you anything. There are lots of people out there struggling, businesses have been locked down left, right and centre, James has lost his dad and you want to take £10,000 off people.
"I think it's absolutely horrendous."
Ms Hutchinson is listed to appear in Peterlee Magistrates' Court next month.
Durham Police has been contacted for comment.
