A man who was caught playing football illegally at a leisure centre on Canvey during the lockdown has been fined.

Remi Colton, 34, was one of 40 people found playing on a pitch at the Waterside Farm Leisure Centre back on January 31.

The centre was shut due to coronavirus restrictions but police had found those playing had forced entry to the pitch through a fence.

Colton, of High Beeches, Benfleet, was found to be in breach of coronavirus restrictions by participating in an outside gathering of more than two people.

Only outdoor exercise with one person from another household was permitted at the time.

Southend Magistrates Court ordered Colton to pay a £166 fine, £34 in victim costs and £55 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

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