A MAN who was stopped by police while in Winchester has been fined for breaking isolation measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

After the Coronavirus Act came into force, police were granted powers to enforce rules on staying at home.

Officers from Winchester’s Neighbourhood Policing Team saw and spoke to the man several times in the city centre yesterday morning (April 2).

The man, in his 30s, was understood to not have a reasonable excuse for being away from his home, as detailed under the act.

A post on Winchester Cops Twitter said: “A male in Winchester will be receiving a fine after being spoken to and engaged with on three previous occasions this morning by Neighbourhood Officers.

“A complete disregard to the guidelines set that so many are respecting.”

A police spokesperson added: “Our priority is to reduce the spread of infection and protect the NHS, and our role is to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the regulations.

“People in Winchester have been doing fantastically well so far. We will continue to be out in our local communities to play our part in keeping people safe.”