Seven charged after house party in Winnaleah in North-East Tasmania

A group of people who held a house party will face charges for a “blatant and deliberate breach” of the coronavirus related restrictions on gatherings, Tasmania Police say.

SEVEN people have been charged following an illegal gather at a house in Winnaleah in North-East Tasmania.

The people are charged with failing to comply with the direction of the Director of Public Health, after police were called to the property at Main Street about 7pm on 12 April.

Tasmania Police say officers spoke to the occupants who appeared to be complying at that time.

However, about an hour later, police were called to re-attend the address in relation to a disturbance.

They then found that the owners of the house were hosting a gathering, with a total of 10 additional people, including children.

Police took the details of those attending the gathering and directed them to return to their homes.

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An investigation was launched, with police questioning the party goers. As a result, the following people will be proceeded against by summons for failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health;

- A 44-year-old woman and 59-year-old man from Winnaleah

- 24-year-old woman from Pioneer

- A 33-year-old man from Branxholm

- A 37-year-old man and 34-year-old woman from Winnaleah

- A 17-year-old from Winnaleah will be proceeded against under the Youth Justice Act.

“Hosting a gathering during a public health emergency is a blatant and deliberate breach of the directions of the Director of Public Health,” said Acting Commander of the Northern District, Michael Johnston.

“It is vital that everyone, including those in more remote communities, are complying with the directions and police will respond to every report of a breach and issue summons where appropriate,” he said.

“I would like to thank the members of the community of reported the gathering to police.”

To report of a breach of COVID-19 directions online, visit coronavirus.tas.gov.au