Equality and Human Rights Commission CEO forced out of second home in Wales on Christmas Day
Welsh police kicked the head of Equality and Human Rights Commission out of holiday house on Christmas Day after locals reporter her breaking Covid rules
- Rebecca Hilsenrath broke Covid rules by driving from Hertfordshire to Llanegryn
- Police spoke to her twice after an outcry by locals who found out she was there
- After the second visit the CEO and her husband agreed to leave within the day
- Mrs Hilsenrath apologised and claims she did not know she had broken the rules
The head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has apologised after she was kicked out of her second home in Wales by police on Christmas Day.
Rebecca Hilsenrath broke lockdown rules by driving from Hertfordshire to Llanegryn, Gwynedd for the festive break.
Officers spoke to the lawyer twice after an outcry by locals who found out she was in the village.
After the second visit the CEO and her husband agreed to leave within the day and make it back to their main home for Christmas.
Mrs Hilsenrath apologised yesterday and claimed she did not know she had broken the rules in Wales.
Rebecca Hilsenrath broke lockdown rules by driving from Hertfordshire to Llanegryn, Gwynedd for the festive break
Officers spoke to the lawyer twice after an outcry by locals who found out she was in the village. Pictured: Her twitter cover photo of a cottage made out of the local stone
In a statement seen by the Times, she said: ‘I would like to apologise to the local community, where we feel deeply embedded, if I have caused anyone concern or worry at this difficult time.
‘I travelled to our home in Wales before lockdown in the belief it was allowed under the rules at that time.
‘We did not realise that lockdown necessitated or even permitted our departure and after a short and helpful conversation with the local police we agreed at once to leave on Christmas Day and did so without the need for further reminders.’
Mrs Hilsenrath is believed to have made the trip to Wales on December 18 just after Health Secretary Matt Hancock plunged Hertfordshire into Tier 3.
But the restrictions did not start until December 19, so she had not broken the rules in Wales regarding people visiting from Tier 3 areas in England.
But the Welsh guidance said ‘travel into Wales is not allowed without a reasonable excuse’, adding: ‘Having a holiday is not currently considered a reasonable excuse.’
From December 19 the government in Wales also said anyone who did not live full time there should leave immediately.
