An interstate tourist who repeatedly broke self-quarantine rules to get fast food, visit a nightclub and take photos at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay has been slapped with a $13,000 fine.
The 25-year-old man flew into Perth from Adelaide on December 11 and was told to self-quarantine for two weeks at a city hotel.
But police arrested him the following day after a compliance check revealed he was not in his hotel room and was not answering his mobile phone.
“He returned as officers were still conducting inquiries at the hotel and was interviewed, making several admissions to knowingly breaching his quarantine requirements,” police said in a statement on Wednesday.
Police said the man had not travelled directly to his hotel from Perth Airport as instructed but had instead attended a drive-through takeaway outlet with the driver who picked him up.
When he checked into the hotel, he did not wear a mask and failed to inform staff he had to self-quarantine.
He then visited a supermarket and a convenience store, police said.
Later that night, he left the hotel again to attend a city nightclub for five hours with the same friend.
He also admitted to police that he had visited Elizabeth Quay to take photos.
“The man offered no valid or lawful reason for leaving the quarantine location and admitted to those breaches,” police said.
He was taken to Perth Watch House and on Tuesday faced Perth Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to five counts of failing to comply with a direction.
The man was fined $13,000 and must make the payment before he can be released from custody.
His quarantine period finished on Christmas Day, and he has tested negative for COVID-19.
A police spokesman said as of 12pm on December 28, 210 people had been charged for breaching directions since the coronavirus pandemic began, and a further 338 were fined.
