Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon wants another lockdown says Leo Kearse

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Julie Saunderson, owner of Skin Kerr in Bootle, is said to have left her home on November 21 to “direct and engage” hundreds of people on a march through Liverpool City Centre. The salon owner, described as a “Covid-denier”, was charged with being outside of a place without reasonable excuse, participating in a public gathering of more than two people and holding a gathering of more than 30 people.

On February 19, Ms Saunderson appeared in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court to deny all offences.

However, on her trial on Friday, she failed to attend and made no contact to explain why she was not present.

Ms Saunderson was witnessed by two police officers during the second lockdown in England “directing and engaging” a large group of people on Renshaw Street in Liverpool city centre at around 1.50pm.

The prosecutor said when asked for her details, Ms Saunderson refused.

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that Ms Saunderson “initially denied breaching regulations” and claimed she was “simply crossing the road or exercising”.

The court also saw body-worn camera footage from police, which appeared to show Ms Saunderson directing and shouting to those following her through the streets.

Ms Saunderson was found guilty of three offences under coronavirus restrictions at the trial.

She was fined £12,000, as well as £810 in court costs, which must be paid within 28 days.

On November 21 2020, Merseyside Police introduced a dispersal order in Liverpool city centre.

Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine said at the time: “For the sake of people across Merseyside, the people you live with, next door to, and work alongside – don’t be tempted to join any large gathering or protest, and make your voice heard in a safer and legal way.”

It followed a protest on November 14 where a police officer was allegedly assaulted in Liverpool city centre.

Merseyside Police said 27 people were arrested on November 14, of which 25 were for public order offences and breaches of Coronavirus legislation, and 17 people were served with fixed penalty notices.

Skin Kerr, Ms Saunderson’s salon, gained attention in September 2020 after a poster appeared in its window denying the existence of the pandemic.

The sign on the shop, on Aintree Road, contained a series of bullet points stating: “Covid Free Salon; no masks, we take cash; Covid talk is banned; you can’t catch what doesn’t exist.”

The poster also included the hashtags ‘#voodoovirusisbullsh**’ and ‘#wedonotconsent’, and asked visitors to “please respect the rules of the salon.”

Under England’s coronavirus guidelines at the time, hairdressers and salon staff were required to wear surgical face masks as well as clear visors to prevent the spread of Covid.

When the Liverpool Echo contacted the salon in September 2020, a woman who stated she was the manager said she “did not wish to discuss” the poster.

The unnamed woman also claimed threats of violence had been made against her.

Many people took to social media to slam the business with one person calling the owner “irresponsible”.

One, who tagged Merseyside Police in his comment on Twitter wrote: “Can we do something about this irresponsible business owner – @skinkerr clinic please?

“Merseyside already hovering just below levels to have restrictions reimposed.”

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