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Boris Johnson’s dad caught flouting mask rules for second time in week

Boris Johnson's dad caught flouting mask rules for second time in week
Stanley Johnson, 80, was pictured with his mask pulled down in a Greek airport last week (Picture: Goffphotos/Mirrorpix)

Boris Johnson’s dad has been caught flouting mask-wearing rules for the second time in a week.

Stanley Johnson, 80, was pictured with his face covering pulled under his chin as he waited for a flight to the UK in a Greek airport last Sunday.

Greek law states masks must be worn at all times in public spaces, with the country’s police warning they ‘will not go easy’ on anyone who breaks the rules.

It comes after pictures showed him defying coronavirus restrictions while buying a newspaper in a shop in Maida Vale, west London on Tuesday.

One witness who was in the Greek airport has claimed Mr Johnson ‘sat too close’ to them and struggled to maintain social distancing.

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They told the Daily Star: ‘I find his behaviour shocking ­given he is the father of the Prime Minister who is currently enforcing these rules.’

A police source said: ‘It does not matter who you are, celebrity or no. We are all doing our best to stop the virus spreading, and we will be very hard on those who do not listen.

‘You must wear a mask, and if you don’t we will give a big fine. He should be warned. We will not go easy on him.’

Usage fee ?200. Boris Johnson's dad caught flouting coronavirus mask rules for second time in a week EXCLUSIVE: Stanley Johnson was snapped in a busy airport reading a book with his mask pulled down, exposing his nose and mouth, showing a flagrant disregard for the rules
The prime minister’s father has reportedly been accused of flouting social distancing rules by witnesses (Picture: Mirrorpix)

Another police spokesman added: ‘It is very rare not to see the people in Greece wearing one because everyone is trying hard.

‘He is not above the law and we will not hesitate to ­arrest and fine anyone who comes here.’

Mr Johnson reportedly claimed he was ‘unaware’ of fury about his behaviour when questioned by international media in Pelion.

The former politician said last week he was ‘extremely sorry’ for his slip-up in London, claiming he had lost track of UK rules after spending three weeks abroad.

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: ‘I’m extremely sorry for the slip up and I would urge absolutely everybody to do everything they can to make sure they do follow the rules about masks and social distancing.

‘The fact this was my first day back in the UK after three weeks abroad is, I am sure, no excuse for not knowing the rules.’

British police have confirmed he will not be fined, despite the prime minister warning of £200 fines for first-time offenders.

A spokesperson said: ‘As a matter of course the MPS is not investigating COVID related issues retrospectively.

30 September 2020 - EXCLUSIVE. Boris Johnsons father, Stanley Johnson is seen going against his sons rules of wearing a mask as he is seen purchasing a newspaper this morning. Credit: GoffPhotos.com Ref: KGC-592 **Exclusive to GoffPhotos.com - Newspapers Allrounder (Express Must Call) - Magazines Double Space Rates - Online/Web Must Call Before Use Embargoed Until 11AM 01/10/20**
Mr Johnson said he was ‘extremely sorry’ after being caught without a mask in a west London shop last week (Picture: GoffPhotos.com)

‘Where we become aware of a breach occurring, officers will seek to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules, only enforcing as a last resort.

‘Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event, officers will not have had the opportunity to engage, explain or encourage, and those involved will not to respond positively to that process – as most people do.

‘Therefore, it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement.

‘We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of, and to follow, the rules.’

Mr Johnson also found himself under fire back in July when he travelled to Greece in apparent breach of travel guidance.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/05/boris-johnsons-dad-caught-flouting-mask-rules-for-second-time-in-week-13371672/

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