A LONDON roofer was told he put himself and the public in a "harmful position" by breaching coronavirus restrictions to attend a house party in Bournemouth.

Jamie Alvarez, 22, of Middlesex, appeared before Poole magistrates on November 11, after being found with ketamine at a house party on May 9.

The court heard how police were called to a house party in Bournemouth at around 8.30pm in the evening on May 9, during the government-imposed lockdown.

Prosecuting, Ms Oxley said: “Once at the address, an officer had reason to search the defendant.

“He was taken into a bedroom and removed his boxer shorts when a white powder fell onto the floor.

“Initially the defendant tried to hide it but was then cooperative. He advised officers it was ketamine for personal use.”

Alvarez was found with 0.92g of ketamine and taken to Bournemouth custody.

It was in custody when police discovered he was from Twickenham.

Ms Oxley continued: “The defendant advised officers he had come to the area to see his mother and was staying with friends.

“Because Covid-19 restrictions on movement were in place the defendant was in breach because these restrictions were for essential travel only”

Ms Oxley informed Magistrates of Alvarez’s previous convictions, both in 2016, for possession of a class C drug and possession with intent to supply class B cannabis.

Representing himself, Alvarez said: “I want to apologise for the crimes I have committed.

“I have to take punishment as it is. I was wrong in what I did. I bought ketamine for the party and I shouldn’t have been at the party.

“All I can do is apologise and it won’t happen again.”

Alvarez told the court he was a roofer, earning £500 a week.

For the possession of ketamine, he was fined £307, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and costs of £85. The defendant was also fined £60 for breaching coronavirus restrictions on top of that, meaning he’ll pay a total of £486.

Magistrate Fiona McKenna told Alvarez: “I just want to say that these essential travel restrictions were put in place for a very good reason, for the protection of society.

“By breaking these restrictions you are putting yourself and the public in a harmful position.”

Alvarez will pay the fine in monthly instalments of £100, starting on December 4.