AN anti-lockdown protester who encouraged people to gather in opposition to coronavirus rules described a fine as an unlawful affront to her human rights.

In November, police were made aware Dace Omondiale, 31, had set up a Facebook group titled ‘Say No to Lockdown and Covid Measures.’

She used a social media profile in her own name to post on the group, which advertised a protest and gathering of people.

Later that month, police advised Omondiale against organising a gathering of people, telling her it would not comply with Covid regulations.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard a warning letter was sent to her.

After she continued to post on social media, she was served with a community protection warning, with conditions not to publish any materials encouraging non-compliance with Covid restrictions.

But the court heard she then posted on social media encouraging people to break lockdown restrictions.

On December 1, Omondiale was hit with a community protection notice, with the same conditions as the warning, and warned she could face arrest if she did not comply.

But she continued to post on social media, starting a Facebook group called ‘Stand Up Colchester.’

On December 19, a group of people was seen by police officers gathering in Culver Square.

The defendant was identified as the group leader.

Omondiale, of Brooklands, Colchester, admitted breaching a community protection notice.

Representing herself, she said: “I don’t believe I committed an offence because we have freedom of speech and we have a right to gather.

“Lockdown, to me, has done more damage than actual help to people.

“I do believe I haven’t committed any harm.

“A community protection order was issued unlawfully because of my human rights. We have freedom of speech and to gather and freedom of expression.

“It’s not like I murdered someone, or robbed someone.

“It was a gathering of like-minded people, gathering basically against the lockdown.”

She was ordered to pay £1,173 in fines and court costs.

Lucy Lavender, chairwoman of the bench, said: “Irrespective of what you believe, the law is there to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the British public.

"We all have a duty to therefore abide by it.”