A woman "loitering" on a railway platform was fined £800 for failing to tell police where she was going in the coronavirus lockdown and for ticket fraud.
Marie Dinou, 41, of Oak Tree Close, York, is the first person arrested on the railway network under lockdown rules to slow the spread of the virus.
The rules, rushed through parliament under the Coronavirus Act 2020, mean you should only leave home for essential travel such as food shopping or medical appointments.
British Transport Police said it received a report from staff at Newcastle Central station of a woman loitering between platforms on Saturday March 28.
Officers approached Dinou and asked her whether her reasons for travel were essential, but following several attempts by officers to engage with her she refused to speak to them.
The force said it was left with no option but to arrest Dinou on suspicion of travel fraud and breaching the restrictions imposed under the Coronavirus Act.
Dinou appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday and received a £660 fine for breaching the Coronavirus Act, as well as an £85 fine for ticket fraud and £80 in prosecution costs.
Assistant Chief Constable, Sean O’Callaghan, said: “While a ticket offence had also been committed in this case, enforcement of any sort under the new regulations really is a last resort, especially arrest.
“In this case, officers tried their upmost to engage with Dinou. I can assure you we would much rather not have to take such action.”
“We strongly urge the public to do the right thing and help us save lives by staying at home and slowing the spread of the virus.”
