Man in France jailed for flouting confinement rules

Each time he was checked, the 20-year-old man from Calais (Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France) was found to be without the necessary “attestation” form needed to go outside.

The prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer confirmed on Wednesday April 1 that the young man “is very well known to local police and justice department”.

The man was sentenced to prison on Tuesday March 31, for the charge of “repeated violation of confinement”, and will serve his time in the Centre Pénitentiaire de Longuenesse prison.

Since the beginning of confinement at midday on Tuesday March 17, France has required people leaving their house to fill in a form to explain the reason for their trip.

Fines are now at €135 per first infraction, rising to €200 for a second infraction within 15 days, rising to €450 if it is not paid on time. As shown by this case, further breaches can result in prison time and a fine of up to €3,750 or more.

Read more: Police Covid-19 checks in France: What is allowed?

Read more: New confinement forms: English translations