Ireland Four fined for 70-person party during Level 5 restrictions in Longford
On 12 February 2021, approximately 70 people attended a christening party at 5 Palace Crescent, Longford, during Level 5 restrictions when members of separate households could not mix. Gardaí were called at approximately 9.30pm, were refused entry more than once, and searched the property with 15 officers under a warrant. Six people were charged with attending the gathering and failing to pay a fixed penalty notice issued that night. At Longford District Court, Judge Seamus Hughes fined Rebecca Briody, Helena Ward, Aaron Briody and Julie Doyle €500 each with three months to pay, describing the event as a super spreader.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced17 Sep
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A christening party for a young child was held with approximately 70 people in attendance.
- The party took place during Level 5 restrictions when members of separate households could not mix, and no one was wearing a mask.
- Where
- The party was at 5 Palace Crescent, Longford.
- When
- Gardaí were called to the property at approximately 9.30pm on 12 February 2021.
- Investigation
- Gardaí were refused entry more than once before acquiring a warrant to search under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with 15 officers involved.
- Charges
- Six people were charged with attending the gathering during Level 5 restrictions and failing to pay a fixed penalty notice.
- In court
- The case was heard at Longford District Court before Judge Seamus Hughes.
- Sentence
- Rebecca Briody, Helena Ward, Aaron Briody and Julie Doyle were each fined €500 with three months to pay.
- Other details
- Judge Hughes described the party as a super spreader event.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe party was for a christening of a young child. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatThe party took place during Level 5 restrictions when members of separate households could not mix. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatApproximately 70 people were found within the house. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatNo one at the party was wearing a mask. (longfordleader.ie)
- whereThe party took place at 5 Palace Crescent, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
- whenGardaí were called to the property at approximately 9.30pm on 12 February 2021. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationGardaí were refused entry more than once before acquiring a warrant to search under the Misuse of Drugs Act. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigation15 gardaí were involved in the search. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceRebecca Briody was fined €500 with three months to pay. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceHelena Ward was fined €500 with three months to pay. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceAaron Briody was fined €500 with three months to pay. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceJulie Doyle was fined €500 with three months to pay. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherJudge Hughes described the party as a super spreader event. (longfordleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 17 Sep2021Not a single reveller at Longford super spreader house party were wearing masks, court hears
Reports the sentencing of six defendants for attending a 70-person christening party during Level 5 restrictions in Longford in February 2021. Judge Hughes called it a 'super spreader' event and noted no one was wearing a mask.
accused, Rebecca Briody, female, named, irish (judged from name)Rebecca Briodyaccused, Helena Ward, female, named, irish (judged from name)Helena Wardaccused, John Joyce, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Joyceaccused, Ann Marie Joyce, female, named, irish (judged from name)Ann Marie Joyceaccused, Aaron Briody, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Briodyaccused, Julie Doyle, female, named, irish (judged from name)Julie Doyle