TWO men have appeared in court charged with breaking strict Covid lockdown regulations on public gatherings.

Michael Stride, aged 39, of Churchill Road, Poole, and Joseph Ward, aged 29, of Anderson Close, Whitley, Hampshire, appeared before Poole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, January 26.

They were both charged with participating in a gathering in a public outdoor place of more than two people in England, contrary to regulations of the Health Protection Coronavirus Restrictions.

The pair were also both charged with holding/being involved in holding a gathering of more than 30 people on land in England, contrary to the Health Protection Coronavirus Restrictions.

Both charges relate to an alleged public gathering that took place at Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth, on November 21, last year.

The maximum penalty for such an offence is an unlimited fine.

Neither defendants entered a plea, speaking only to confirm their names and addresses.

Both were remanded on unconditional bail, to reappear at Poole Magistrates' Court later this year.

Hundreds of people took part in an anti-lockdown protest in Bournemouth town centre on November 21, last year, despite rules banning gatherings of more than two people.

At the time Bournemouth was under Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions.

The protesters marched through the Lower Gardens to Pier Approach.

Speaking at that time, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: "We made repeated efforts to engage with those planning to protest and remind them of the Government legislation, which makes it unlawful for gatherings of more than two people.

"While we will always use the approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging members of the public to comply with the requirements, we have been clear that where we see blatant and persistent breaches, we will take enforcement action."