'You're the future and you're messing this right up': Moment officers crash COVID-breaking student party

Watch: More than 50 fines handed out following party at Cardiff halls of residence

Bodycam footage shows the moment police shut down a student party with more than 50 guests, in breach of coronavirus rules.

Police tell a group of young men that they are “the future of the country, and you are messing it right up” as another demands details of their names, addresses and courses.

The students at the Cardiff Metropolitan University halls of residence listen as police explain they will be issued a £60 fine for breaching Wales’s coronavirus regulations.

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South Wales Police said 52 fines have been handed out and another four are expected to be issued for the party, which took place on 6 November amid Wales’s firebreak lockdown.

It placed restrictions on meeting others indoors except single households and limits on leaving home.

Footage shows officers knocking loudly as revellers chant with loud music playing in the flat.

One officer enters and orders the party-goers to “kill the music”.

“Anyone who does not live in this flat is going to step outside one-by-one,” he tells the now quiet crowd.

“Have your ID ready – I’m going to be taking details, course name, address of every individual in this flat, who is currently in breach of COVID regulations.

“All of those will be passed on to the university, along with the student liaison officer.

“We’ll make a decision as to how many of you, if not all of you, will be receiving – if it’s your first offence – £60 COVID breach fines.”

Another officer says to a group: “Do you all live in this flat boys? It’s not good enough, is it?

“You are the future of this country and you are messing it right up.”

Cardiff and Vale Superintendent Jason Rees said: “It is unfortunate that our officers were left with little option but to fine those who showed a flagrant disregard for the coronavirus regulations – and more importantly their own health and that of their peers and the wider community – by either hosting or attending this party.”

He added: “We have always been very clear that enforcement action will be taken where necessary and proportionate, and flagrant breaches such as this left us with little option but to enforce, either at the time or through retrospective investigation.”

A Cardiff Met spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that a small number of students have decided to behave in this way when the vast majority have stuck to the rules.

“The number of positive cases at Cardiff Met remains low, with fewer than 10 new cases being reported in the last seven days.

“We would like to thank the vast majority of our students for playing their part by following the guidelines on- and off-campus.

“We will continue to work with and support South Wales Police to ensure our campuses and communities remain safe.”

Last month, 40 people were facing fines for attending a party at student accommodation in Nottingham.

Wales’s coronavirus firebreak lockdown ended on Monday, and replaced with new restrictions. The country has reported 63,000 cases and 2,142 deaths since the pandemic began.

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