Covid-19 NSW: Three Sydney removalists could be facing jail
Three removalists from Sydney who allegedly knowingly had Covid-19 but travelled to regional NSW anyway could be facing jail time.
The men, aged 27, 27, and 21, from West Hoxton in southwest Sydney, were nabbed after travelling through regional NSW to Molong, in central western NSW.
They will now have to appear in court for allegedly breaching public health orders.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters on Sunday the trio could be facing jail.
“I understand people from regional NSW and the Central West who were absolutely angry with the behaviour of those three gentlemen despite the very best and strong health advice,” he said.
Dep Comm Worboys added the trio could face an $11,000 penalty and or six months’ jail.
“ I know the people run across country NSW are also digging in hard in the next two weeks and when people do what these three men did, it makes it really, really difficult for people in country NSW to continue to put the efforts in that they do,” he said.
“So people are angry about it. There is no doubt the behaviour is reckless and it is certainly very selfish.”
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The deputy police commissioner’s comments were echoed by a furious Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
Mr Barilaro called their alleged actions “deliberate, reckless”.
“The full arm of the law will come down hard, the justice system will come down hard,” he said.
“This could actually put in jeopardy not just a community like orange but the Central West and put regional NSW where the health system would be completely swamped.
“This is careless, reckless and deliberate and they will feel the full brunt of the law.”
The trio and another man who hadn't tested positive also stopped in Figtree, South Bowenfels and Orange along the way.
Police escorted the men and their vehicles back to Greater Sydney, issuing them with court attendance notices for failing to comply with Covid directions.
West Hoxton is one of the suburbs listed as an area of concern by NSW Health authorities.
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