AN ANGLESEY business owner has been found guilty of breaching COVID-19 lockdown rules.

Mr David Llewelyn Jones appeared at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on Monday, September 27, charged with three offences under The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020, during alert level four.

The prosecution was brought by the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Public Protection team.

Mr Jones, the owner of Menai Kayak Angling on Water Street, Menai Bridge, was found guilty of contravening the regulations by failing to close his business on January 28, 2021 and subsequently on April 1, 2021; and for obstructing council officers on January 28, 2021.

His business was classified as non-essential retail at the time of the national lockdown in Wales.

Mr Jones pleaded not guilty to the offences, but was convicted and fined £1,056.

The Magistrates’ chairperson, Mrs Jones-Evans, said: “You said that you were operating click and collect, but it’s clear that the shop was open and that customers were inside and that members of the public were allowed in.

“That’s a clear breach of the legislation. You had ample opportunity to change your processes, but you ignored the warnings and didn’t comply with the compliance notice. You are guilty of all three charges.”

Anglesey’s chief Public Protection officer, Les Pursglove, added: “We sympathise greatly with local businesses who have endured an incredibly tough time during the coronavirus pandemic.

“However, the national alert level four lockdown was in place for good reason – to stop the spread of the virus.

“The majority of other local businesses complied with COVID-19 regulations in order to keep our residents and communities safe.

“Our prosecution and successful conviction has shown that those who flout the regulations will be held to account, in order to protect the health of our community.”

Any business wanting advice and guidance on the COVID-19 legislation should contact the Consumer Advice team by telephoning 01248 752840 or emailing CONSUMERADVICE@anglesey.gov.uk.